New Season, New Connections: Launching Fall Ministry in September
September 2024 - A fresh energy fills the air as autumn approaches. In churches, September often feels like a second new year - ministries relaunch, attendance rises from summer lows, and there's a sense of "starting again" together. It's also when many outsiders or fringe attendees consider giving church a try (or another try). In fact, across the nation, September has been championed as a time for churches to especially welcome newcomers, highlighted by initiatives like National Back to Church Sunday (often the third Sunday of September). This month, our focus is on capitalizing on that momentum: intentionally deepening connections within our church community and extending genuine invitations to those outside. With relational warmth and strategic use of digital tools, we can make September a season of growth and renewed engagement.
Fall Launch Sunday - Make it Special
Kicking off the fall with a memorable "Launch Sunday" can set a positive tone. Whether you align it with Back to Church Sunday or another early September date, plan it as a celebration. Think of it as Homecoming for your church. Some ideas:
- - Sermon Series and Visuals: Start a new, engaging sermon series this month that speaks to both regulars and guests. Topics like "Finding Community," "Fresh Faith for a New Season," or a book of the Bible relevant to life changes can resonate. Promote this series on social media well in advance. Eye-catching graphics, a teaser video from the pastor ("Join us in September as we explore...") and even paid Facebook ads targeted to your locality can raise awareness. Remember, people often search online before visiting in person, so have a banner on your homepage about the series and what to expect on a Sunday (time, dress code, kids program info, etc.).
- Hospitality Upgraded: Rally your hospitality team to be out in full force. Maybe in September you add an outdoor welcome station with coffee and donuts to capitalize on pleasant weather
- those passing by might even wander over. Ensure greeters are extra attentive to unfamiliar faces. As one outreach strategy piece notes, from the parking lot to the pew, every interaction shapes a guest's experience. Train volunteers to proactively say hello, offer help, and show genuine interest in newcomers (without overwhelming them). Technology can assist here: use tablets or kiosks for quick guest sign-ins or info collection (if they choose). A smooth digital children's check-in or an e-form for visitor info shows that your church is modern and prepared.
- Shareable Moments: Create moments in your launch service that people will want to share. For instance, maybe a fun photo booth area with a fall-themed backdrop and your church logo
- encourage families and friends to snap a picture and post it, tagging the church. Or do something visually striking in the service (a special creative element or a testimony video) that attendees might mention online. These organic shares from members become authentic advertising to their friends. You could even use a unique hashtag for the series or season (e.g., #FallAtFirstChurch) and prompt folks to use it. Seeing a flurry of posts can build intrigue among those who follow your members on social media.
Emphasize Small Groups and Next Steps
In September, lots of people are looking to plug back in - routine is returning, and there's openness to commitments. This is prime time to funnel people into small groups, classes, and next steps to solidify connections. - Group Fair (Physical & Virtual):
- Host a Small Groups Fair after services where leaders have tables and sign-up sheets, etc. But don't neglect the digital audience: concurrently run a "virtual group fair" on your website or Facebook Live. Perhaps a leader from each small group records a 1-minute pitch about their group ("We're a group of young parents meeting Wednesdays, we'd love to have you!"). Compile those into one video or a playlist that you release on Group Launch week. Provide an online form to sign up or request more info. This way, even those who missed service or are still warming up to in-person crowds can engage.
- Next Step Workshops: Offer easy onboarding opportunities like a "Newcomer Lunch" or a "Discover Your Place" class during September. If possible, have a simultaneous or follow-up option online (like a Zoom version of the newcomers class for those who prefer it). Promote these extensively in service and via email. Make signing up a breeze through a link or texting a keyword (e.g., text "LUNCH" to a number to RSVP). The fewer barriers, the more likely folks, especially new attendees, will take that step.
- Personal Invites to Commit: For those who were semi-regular or sporadic before, a new season can be a fresh start. Encourage your core members to notice who is around and who isn't, and personally invite peers to join them in a small group or ministry. A simple "Hey, I'm going to the young adults group on Tuesday, want to come with me?" can be the nudge someone needs. People respond to feeling wanted and seen. As we saw with Easter follow-up, personal touches often make the difference in someone plugging in. Use that principle now within the body to knit people back in.
Meanwhile, continue telling success stories from last season's groups or ministries to build desire. For example, share on your church blog or social feed: "Last year, over 10 new small groups formed and many found lifelong friends. Here's one couple's story of how their group became family...". This paints a compelling picture of why others should join.
Re-engagement Strategies Post-Summer
Some individuals or families might have drifted over summer. September is time for gentle reconnection:
- - We Missed You Emails: Run through your attendance or engagement records to spot those who were active in spring but went MIA in summer. Send a kind, no-guilt email that simply says, "Hello! As fall begins, we just wanted to check in. We missed seeing you and hope you're doing well. There are some exciting things happening this month at church, and it wouldn't be the same without you. Let us know if there's any way we can be praying for you or if you have any questions about upcoming events.
- Your Church Family." This personalized touch (use mail merge with first names) can reignite connection. People often drift unintentionally; a little nudge can bring them back.
- Phone or Text Outreach: For key volunteers or members who went quiet, have ministry leaders or friends drop a text or call. Not to scold attendance, but sincerely caring: "Hey, been a while! Coffee soon?" or "Saw that soccer season kept you busy on Sundays
- totally get it. We'd love to catch up or see you at the Fall Festival coming up." Often, they'll respond with appreciation and perhaps show up at the next opportunity.
- Digital Content to Reel Them In: If some are out of the habit of coming, try using your content to draw them. For instance, if you start a hot-topic sermon series, clip a 60-second teaser from the first week's message and post it: "This week we tackled 'Finding Peace in Chaos'. If you missed it, here's a nugget. Join us next Sunday for part 2!" Seeing the value they missed might encourage them to prioritize attendance (in person or online). Additionally, maintain a consistent online streaming presence. Some folks will use September to sample church from home before deciding to attend. That's okay; welcome them virtually and mention you hope to see them face-to-face when they're ready.
Interestingly, some research suggests a strong correlation between how quickly newcomers find community and whether they stick around. One strategy is the "challenge by choice" approach:
- invite new people to something within their first month
- whether a class, serving opportunity, or fellowship. September, being full of options, is the golden window to plug people in fast so their enthusiasm doesn't wane. Unseminary insights note that because overall attendance frequency has dropped in recent years, churches must connect with people quickly
- in the first weeks, not months. So, have greeters trained to mention, "Did you know next week there's a church BBQ? Would love to see you there!" or include a clear Next Steps card in the welcome packet for newcomers to respond to immediately.
Outreach and Evangelism in the Community
With church life buzzing, don't forget outward focus. Many people in your city might be in a life transition in September (moving for school, looking for community, etc.). How can you reach them? - Social Media Ads and Google Search:
- September is a prime time when people might search "church near me" or look for community events. It's worth investing in a small ad campaign on Google so that your church appears prominently for those searches (ensure your Google My Business listing is updated too). On social media, run localized ads that simply invite people to your series or Back to Church Sunday. Target by interest (Christianity, community, etc.) and zip code. Missional Marketing and others provide services for seasonal campaigns, indicating that strategic digital advertising can dramatically increase your reach.
- Community Partnerships: Early fall often has civic activities
- maybe a 5K run, school open houses, or college campus fairs. See if your church can participate or sponsor in small ways. Setting up a water station with your church name at a local race, or donating snacks to a school event (with a sticker "from your friends at ___ Church") gets your name out as a contributor to community well-being. It's soft evangelism
- building goodwill. And as always, share about these on your platforms: "We loved supporting XYZ High's band night with free pizza!" Small acts can pique interest and remove barriers some have toward church.
- Alpha or Explorers Group: If you have the resources, consider launching an Alpha course or similar "exploring Christianity" discussion group in late September. Specifically invite those on the fringes or curious skeptics to a safe, open dialogue (with food!). Promote it as a place for questions. Many will never jump straight into Sunday worship, but they might come to a weeknight gathering that welcomes doubt and discovery. The key is marketing it outside the church walls: local coffee shop flyers, Facebook community pages, etc. Even one or two participants who wouldn't otherwise set foot in church make it worth it. And who knows
- that could be the start of their faith journey.
Celebrate and Keep Momentum
By the end of September, take time to acknowledge what God is doing. Share wins with the church: "We welcomed __ new families this month!" or "Our small groups have grown from 5 to 10 groups, praise God." People love to see progress and feel part of a collective movement. It builds momentum into October and beyond.
Also, express gratitude - to volunteers who put in extra work, to members who invited friends (perhaps have a few of those friends actually come up and share how it felt to be invited and welcomed). Involving testimony keeps it real and encouraging. It reminds everyone that outreach isn't just an abstract concept - it changes lives.
September can truly be the springboard into one of your church's most impactful seasons. By prioritizing hospitality, quick integration into community, and proactive outreach, you turn the influx of people and energy into lasting connections. It's not just about a one-Sunday spike; it's about establishing rhythms of discipleship and fellowship that carry on. In the tapestry of church life, this is a time when new threads are woven in - new relationships, new commitments, new growth.
September can truly be the springboard into one of your church's most impactful seasons. By prioritizing hospitality, quick integration into community, and proactive outreach, you turn the influx of people and energy into lasting connections. It's not just about a one-Sunday spike; it's about establishing rhythms of discipleship and fellowship that carry on. In the tapestry of church life, this is a time when new threads are woven in - new relationships, new commitments, new growth.
Ready to strengthen your digital ministry?
At Intent, we're excited about the possibilities each fall brings. We're here to help you harness digital solutions - from online engagement to advertising - that complement your on-the-ground ministry. As 70% of church leaders note, technology can increase generosity and engagement, and we've seen it empower outreach firsthand. If you'd like to explore tools or tactics tailored for your congregation this fall, reach out for a free consultation. Here's to a September filled with renewed spirit, overflowing pews (and Zoom rooms!), and above all, transformed lives as we connect anew with God and one another.