Statistics show few people return visitors' information cards, says Tricia Langley, outreach coordinator for New Life. So the church dangles such incentives as free copies of Senior Pastor Ted Haggard's books. Those who do turn in cards get a letter inviting them to a guest reception hosted by Haggard. The church also sorts visitors by ZIP code, and visitors often are contacted by leaders of small groups who live near them. You have to be sensitive to who your consumers are.
People are more sophisticated.
They are looking to things that meet their life needs. Like many churches, First United Methodist treads a fine line when it comes to welcoming new people. It wants to be welcoming but not smothering. McKinney said he takes his cue from how visitors react to a sign-up table in the church lobby. If they sign up, give their phone number, I take that as a sign that they'd like some attention.