The 5-Email Church Guest Follow-Up Flow
A copy-and-paste sequence that keeps visitors coming back to church.
Most churches spend weeks planning the perfect Sunday service, then drop newcomers into radio silence for the next six days. The fix is five short emails, sent over seven days, that feel personal rather than pushy. Below is the exact cadence, subject lines, and body text you can load into your email platform tonight (Mailchimp, Planning Center, Breeze—any tool works).
If you need help in setting this up, our team would be happy to help! You’ll find our contact button at the end of this article.
Timing at a Glance
Day 0: within 2 hours of service
Day 1: the next morning
Day 3: midweek
Day 5: value-add
Day 7: invitation
EMAIL 1 – “Thanks for Being Here” (Day 0)
Subject: Nice to meet you today
Body:
Hi [First Name],
Thanks for joining us at [Church Name] this morning! We’re honored you chose to spend part of your weekend with us. If you have any questions—about kids check-in, small groups, or where the good coffee is—just hit reply.
See you soon,
[Pastor Name]
EMAIL 2 – “Here’s the Sermon & Next Step” (Day 1)
Subject: Sermon replay + one quick next step
Body:
Hi [First Name],
Missed a point or want to share Sunday’s message with a friend? Here’s the 25-minute replay: [Link]
If you’re ready to take a simple next step, we host a 15-minute “Connect Table” after every service. Stop by—we’ll have snacks and answers.
Grace,
[Pastor Name]
EMAIL 3 – “Meet Our Family” (Day 3)
Subject: 3 photos that show who we are
Body:
Hi [First Name],
We’re more than Sunday mornings. Here are three snapshots from this week:
Youth group served 150 meals at the shelter.
Our moms’ group made 40 fleece blankets for NICU babies.
The worship team rehearsed—because excellence honors God.
If any of these sparks interest, let me know and I’ll connect you.
[Pastor Name]
EMAIL 4 – “Something Just for You” (Day 5)
Subject: A free resource, no strings
Body:
Hi [First Name],
Because you visited, here’s a free PDF: “10 Prayers for Anxious Hearts.” Download, print, or forward to a friend—no sign-up required. [Link]
Hope it encourages you today.
[Pastor Name]
EMAIL 5 – “See You This Weekend?” (Day 7)
Subject: We’d love to see you again
Body:
Hi [First Name],
This Sunday we’re starting a new three-part series on forgiveness. Service times are 9 & 11 AM, kids programs for all ages, and the coffee’s fresh by 8:40.
If you’re coming, reply “I’m in” so we can save a seat (and a donut).
Looking forward,
[Pastor Name]
Implementation Tips
Collect emails at a simple connect card—paper or QR code.
Use first-name personalization in every subject line and greeting.
Send from a real person’s name (not “info@church.com”).
Keep each email under 120 words; mobile screens are small.
Stop the sequence if someone marks “returning guest” or joins a small group.
Drop these five emails into your system, schedule the delays, and watch the reply rate climb from silence to “See you Sunday!”
Feel free to contact us if you have any questions about the process.
