Ep. 031 | Maximize Christmas for Church Revitalization
Reaching Your Community for Jesus During the Holidays
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How You Can Reach More People For Your Church at Christmas
November 1, 2025
Episode 31: Show Notes
Episode 31: Maximize Christmas for Church Revitalization
Hosts: Bart Blair (Director of Church Revitalization, Assist Church Expansion) & Nathan Bryant (Executive Director, Assist)
Episode Summary: Church Growth Strategies for the Christmas Season
In this timely episode, Bart and Nathan explore practical strategies for churches undergoing revitalization to maximize the Christmas season's unique opportunities. They discuss why Christmas presents the best invitation opportunity of the year and share creative approaches for community engagement that go beyond traditional church services.
Key Topics Discussed
Why Christmas is the Best Time for Church Revitalization and Visitor Outreach
Christmas and Easter are the two times of year when people are most likely to accept church invitations
60-70% of Americans claim they attend some type of Christmas church service annually
Christmas actually outperforms Easter for visitor attendance
The season naturally creates a warm, inviting atmosphere that encourages community connection
Three Essential Steps to Plan Successful Christmas Outreach Events for Churches
1. How to Plan Christmas Events for Small Church Growth
Don't wait until the last minute - start planning now (early November)
Consider what your church can authentically do well
Don't copy other churches - find what works for your unique community
Use AI tools (ChatGPT, Perplexity, Grok) to brainstorm creative ideas within your budget
2. How to Train Your Church Members to Invite People to Christmas Services
Train your people on how to invite effectively
Encourage personal invitations - statistics show people are most likely to say yes during Christmas
Create multiple touchpoints throughout December, not just Christmas Eve
Consider capacity limitations and plan accordingly
3. Best Follow-Up Strategies After Christmas Church Events
Critical: Have a January event already planned before Christmas
Announce your next opportunity during Christmas events
Create a clear pathway for visitors to return
Don't make Christmas a "one and done" event
Creative Christmas Community Outreach Ideas for Small Churches
Community Service Projects for Church Christmas Outreach:
Decorating homes for elderly or shut-in residents
Community meals for those without a place to go
Angel tree/gift programs partnering with local schools
Alternative Christmas Events for Church Growth:
Fire pit parties with s'mores and outdoor games
Christmas parties focused on relationship building
Neighborhood barbecues with a holiday theme
How to Partner with Your Community for Christmas Church Events:
Partner with local schools for gift programs
Invite non-church friends to participate in service projects
Create opportunities for unchurched neighbors to do good alongside church members
Real Church Plant Christmas Outreach Success Story
Nathan shares how his church plant is taking on 15 families for Christmas gifts through the local school district, intentionally taking more than their core group can handle alone. This creates an opportunity to invite neighbors and friends to participate in the project, building relationships while serving the community.
Five Common Christmas Outreach Mistakes Churches Should Avoid
Procrastination - Waiting too long to plan
Lack of mobilization - Not training and encouraging your congregation to invite
No follow-up plan - Missing the opportunity to reconnect in January
Copying others - Not being authentic to your church's identity
Doing nothing - The biggest mistake is not trying at all
How to Deliver Engaging Christmas Messages That Bring Visitors Back
The hosts emphasize that the number one reason visitors return is the quality of the speaker/communicator. Your Christmas message needs to:
Connect with visitors where they are
Create interest in what's coming next
Be authentic and engaging
Point toward your January follow-up
Action Steps for Planning Your Church's Christmas Outreach Strategy
Immediate Planning - Start planning your Christmas strategy now
Budget Creatively - Work with what you have (example: $200 and 25 people can still make an impact)
Think Beyond Sunday - Consider community service or social events
Prepare Your People - Train congregation members on invitation strategies
Calendar January - Have your follow-up event planned before Christmas arrives
Key Takeaway for Pastors Planning Christmas Church Growth Strategies
"Christmas is the greatest time of the year. We have the most amazing story to share that God came into the world and gives us hope and light and life, and Jesus is the answer for everything... How do we maximize the opportunity that's right there in our culture towards the gospel and towards reaching people for Christ?" - Nathan Bryant
Final Thoughts on Christmas Church Growth for Small Congregations
Don't let the fear of not being able to do something big prevent you from doing something meaningful. Start where you are, use what you have, and leverage the unique opportunity that Christmas provides to connect your church with your community and ultimately share the gospel.