Could a Welcome Video Help Someone Visit Your Church?
When you’ve been part of the same congregation for years, it’s easy to forget what that experience is actually like. A first-time visitor isn’t just wondering what the sermon will be about, they’re wondering where to park, which door to use, whether they’ll know anyone, what happens with their children, and if they’ll stick out. These “unknowns” aren’t complicated on their own, but together they can make visiting a church feel like a much bigger step than we might realize.
Over the past few months, we’ve asked churches to look at their websites as if they were first-time visitors. Does your homepage answer the questions visitors really have? Is it easy to find your service time, address, and contact information? We’ve also discussed the importance of photos. Good photos help people imagine your building, your worship space, and the people they might meet.
Another idea to consider is filming a welcome video.
The nice thing about video is that it lets people get to know your church before they visit. Instead of just reading about your community, they’re greeted by a real person and can see what a Sunday morning is like.
This doesn’t have to be complicated (actually, it’s better if it isn’t).
Think about it this way: Your minister or another church leader standing outside the building saying, “Hi, I’m […]. Thanks for taking a minute to check us out. If you’re thinking about joining us one Sunday, I’d love to show you what you can expect.”
From there, just take people with you.
Show them where they can park (especially if it isn’t obvious!). Walk them to the entrance most visitors use, introduce the people who are likely to greet them and let them see what it’s like to walk into the building for the first time.
Once you’re in the sanctuary, explain what a typical service looks like. If you’re part of a liturgical tradition, mention that there will be times to stand, sit, pray, and sing, and reassure people that there’s no expectation they’ll know exactly what’s happening. Most visitors are perfectly happy to observe during their first visit, and that’s completely okay.
As you think about what to include in your video, pay attention to the little things that long-time members don’t even notice anymore. One church we worked with has small doors at the ends of each pew. Everyone who belongs there opens them without thinking, but a visitor has no way of knowing that’s how you get in. It’s a tiny detail, but those are exactly the kinds of moments that a welcome video can smooth over.
This also applies to families. If children leave for a program during the service, show parents where they go. Introduce the space, explain who the volunteers are, and let people know how your church keeps kids safe. Even saying that children can stay with their parents for the whole service if they want can help families feel more comfortable before they arrive.
It’s also helpful to show what happens after the service. If people gather for coffee or conversation, include that as well. These informal moments often tell visitors as much about your church as the worship service does.
Remember, this doesn’t need to be a polished production. A smartphone, clear audio, and someone who truly enjoys welcoming people are all you need. The goal is not to make a promotional video; it’s to answer the questions that might otherwise keep someone from visiting.
If a visitor arrives and feels like they’ve already been shown around, you’ve likely done exactly what you hoped to achieve.
A Simple Welcome Video Template
If you're wondering where to start, here's an outline you can adapt for your own church. Aim for a video that's around 3-5 five minutes long. One person can do most of the talking while you cut away to a few clips that show what they're describing.
1. Welcome
What to include: Introduce yourself and welcome people to your church. Acknowledge that visiting somewhere new can feel like a big step, and let viewers know you're going to show them what they can expect on a typical Sunday.
B-roll ideas: Exterior shots of the church, the surrounding neighbourhood, people arriving, someone opening the front door.
2. Getting There
What to include: Show visitors where they should park, which entrance they should use, and anything else that's helpful to know before they arrive.
B-roll ideas: Parking areas, accessible parking, sidewalks leading to the church, church signage, exterior entrances.
3. Walking In
What to include: Show people what they'll experience when they come through the doors. Introduce your welcome team, explain whether they'll receive a bulletin or any other pre-service details - like where the bathrooms are! Let them know where they can ask questions if they need help.
B-roll ideas: Greeters welcoming people, conversations in the foyer, someone handing out bulletins, the welcome desk, people making their way into the sanctuary.
4. The Sanctuary
What to include: Give visitors a chance to see the worship space and explain anything that might surprise a first-time visitor.
B-roll ideas: Wide shots of the sanctuary, stained glass, pews or seating, musicians preparing, people finding their seats.
5. Worship
What to include: Briefly explain what a typical service includes. Let visitors know if there are times to stand, sit, sing, or respond together, and reassure them there's no expectation they'll know the routine on their first visit.
B-roll ideas: Congregational singing, prayer, scripture reading, the sermon, choir or musicians, moments of worship.
6. Children & Families
What to include: Explain what happens with children during the service, where they go, and how your church helps create a safe environment. Let parents know it's also okay if their children stay with them during worship.
B-roll ideas: Children's message, nursery, classrooms, volunteers welcoming families, children heading to their programs.
7. After the Service
What to include: Let visitors know what happens after worship. If you gather for coffee, invite them to stay and explain what they can expect.
B-roll ideas: Coffee being poured, people chatting, families visiting together, laughter, fellowship.
8. Your Invitation
What to include: Finish with a simple invitation. Share what you hope people experience when they visit your church and encourage them to come and see for themselves.