I am always encouraged to be around churches that put a lot of effort into guest events, or services where non-regulars are likely to be in attendance.  Let me encourage you to let that energy move further through the Sunday schedule:

1. Recognizing that certain Sundays are key Sundays. I know of some churches that press on with series without any concern for what Sunday it is.  You may value the next installment of that Old Testament epic, but I suspect the friends, neighbours and family visitors won’t though when it is the Sunday before Christmas (in fact, your people probably won’t invite them!)  So recognize that some Sundays are key Sundays – Christmas, easter, Mother’s day perhaps, other holidays that may be big in your part of the church world.

2. Put your best foot forward on key Sundays. I know of some churches that think it is a good idea to use once-a-year speakers on these stand alone days since they will have months to prepare and won’t need to coordinate with a series.  Oops.  Extra visitors coming in seems like the time to put forward the best speakers, best music, etc.

3. Don’t lose your gains by not thinking of the subsequent Sundays. What if some visitors come and really enjoy the welcome, the interaction, the service, the teaching.  And then they come back the next week and it is, well, it isn’t accessible and warm anymore?  Seems like you will have only achieved the inoculation of more people to hinder their return.  Think about the weeks after guest services and how they can also be accessible, warm, etc.

4. Why not have a consistency so you win the trust of the inviters? It is worth thinking about whether every Sunday morning could be accessible and warm for first-time visitors.  This way you will not miss golden opportunities when folks come to church for the first time, and you will build the confidence of the people in the church (how many are harangued about bringing folks, but will never budge because they don’t trust the church to handle their friends and neighbours properly?)