Following Up With New People

A hospitable Lifegroup welcomes people well. Following up with new people is a key part of Lifegroup hospitality. Here is a simple tool for following up with people who have visited your Lifegroup.

People visit a Lifegroup for many reasons. They often stick in a Lifegroup because of the relationships they build there.

People don't just join a Lifegroup randomly - they come because someone invited them and made them feel known and welcomed and invited back

During Their Visit:

  • Greet Them Personally - Make eye contact, learn their name, and use it throughout the evening

  • Make Introductions - Help them connect with several group members, not just one person

  • Explain What's Happening - Help them understand the flow of your meeting without being overwhelming

  • Include Them Appropriately - Invite participation without putting pressure on them

  • Get Their Contact Information - Ask for phone number and permission to follow up

Recommended Follow-up Process:

Week 1:

  • Make Personal Contact - Call or text the visitor personally the next day, don't delegate this initial contact

  • Express Genuine Appreciation - Thank them for visiting and let them know you enjoyed having them

  • Ask About Their Experience - "How did you feel about our group?" or "What did you think of our time together?"

  • Listen for Their Story - Show interest in who they are, where they're from, and what brought them to visit

  • Answer Any Questions - Address concerns or questions they might have about the group

  • Extend a Personal Invitation - Invite them back to the next meeting and let them know they're welcome

Week 2: Continued Connection

  • Follow Up Before the Meeting - Contact them the day before or day of your next gathering

  • Invite them again - "We're looking forward to seeing you again tonight"

  • Prepare the Group - Let other group members know to especially welcome and include them

  • Assign a Connector - Ask a warm, welcoming group member to intentionally connect with them

  • Include Them in Activities - Make sure they're not left out of conversations, prayer, or group activities

Week 3: Deeper Integration

  • Have a Meal Together - Invite them (and their family if applicable) to share a meal outside of group time

  • Connect with Their Interests - Find common ground and shared interests with group members

  • Learn Their Story - Understand their background, family situation, and spiritual journey

  • Share Your Story - Be appropriately vulnerable about your own life and faith journey

Week 4: Integration and Commitment

  • Assess Their Level of Interest - Are they consistently attending and engaging with the group?

  • Address Any Barriers - Help remove obstacles to their continued participation

  • Explain Group Vision and Expectations - Share the purpose and values of your Lifegroup

  • Invite Them to Serve - Give them a small role or responsibility to increase ownership

  • Connect Them to the Broader Church - Encourage Sunday service attendance and other church activities

Remember Your Purpose

The goal of guest follow-up isn't just to grow your group numerically, but to help people find authentic Christian community where they can grow in their relationship with God and with others. Every visitor represents someone God loves and wants to draw into deeper relationship with Himself and His people.

Final Encouragement

Effective guest follow-up requires intentionality, patience, and genuine love for people. Not every visitor will become a long-term group member, but your faithful efforts to welcome and care for them reflect the heart of God and may plant seeds that bear fruit in their lives for years to come.