Resources
Helpful resources for finding — and welcoming — a church community.
Looking for a church? Start with our practical church-finding guides. Church leaders can also find research and ideas for welcoming, connecting with and retaining new people.
Church finding guides
Practical help for deciding what matters, comparing churches and finding places worth visiting.
How to Find a Church After Moving
A practical process for finding a new church after relocating.
How to Find a Church Like Your Old Church
Identify what you valued about your previous church and use those characteristics in a new search.
What to Look for When Choosing a Church
Questions to consider about teaching, worship, community, family ministries and participation.
Christian Denominations: A Starting Guide
A neutral introduction to denominational labels and why they are only one part of choosing a church.
Research & practical resources
Research and practical ideas about welcoming first-time guests and helping people connect.
Fostering Relationships: A Key to Meaningful Church Engagement
Research on why personal connection with pastors, staff and other attendees matters for meaningful church engagement and belonging.
What Millennials Want When They Visit Church
What younger visitors value in church, including spiritual growth, meaningful answers, authenticity and space to explore faith and doubts.
2 Things Your Church Space Should Represent to Visitors
Research into what spiritually open visitors may be seeking and how church environments can communicate peace, hope, safety and community.
How to Help Gen Z Connect Spiritually Online and at Church
Insights into what Gen Z values at church, especially face-to-face relationships, learning about Jesus, spiritual growth and discovering truth.
Why First-Time Guests Don’t Return—Even When They Say They Will
A practical look at the gap between a positive first visit and an actual return, with ideas for creating genuine personal connection after someone arrives.
Top Ten Post-Pandemic Reasons Guests Do Not Return to Your Church
Common reasons first-time guests decide not to return, from uncomfortable welcome practices to friendliness and the overall guest experience.
Why First-Time Guest Follow Up Matters
Why thoughtful follow-up is often welcomed by visitors and how a personal touch can help complete the first-time guest experience.
Five Key Steps to Reach and Retain Guests
Five practical steps covering guest flow, first impressions, contact information and timely follow-up to help turn first visits into return visits.
8 Ways Your Church Can Be More Welcoming to Guests
A visitor-focused checklist covering parking, signage, friendliness, children’s areas, fellowship, follow-up and seeing the church through a newcomer’s eyes.
Third-party resources selected for their research and practical value. ChurchMatchUp is not affiliated with these publishers.