Building Connections, Strengthening the Church Body

At Watts Chapel, we understand the importance of visitation in ministry. It is not just about checking off a list of names or filling a calendar—it’s about building genuine relationships, providing encouragement, and showing the love of Christ to people where they are.

Visitation is a crucial part of our outreach strategy, and it plays a vital role in helping our church grow spiritually, relationally, and numerically.


Why Focus on Non-Members?

Research consistently shows that the chances of bringing someone into a church through visitation are much higher when the focus is on non-members rather than reconnecting with former members.

According to a 2018 study published in the Church Growth Journal, church visitation to non-members has a significantly higher success rate in encouraging attendance and church membership than efforts to re-engage former members. (Source: "The Impact of Pastoral Visits on Church Growth," Church Growth Journal, 2018.)

Because of this, our visitation ministry is intentionally designed to focus on outreach to those outside our congregation. We believe that reaching the lost, encouraging new people, and inviting them into our church family is essential to fulfilling the mission of the church.

Our Strategy for Effective Visitation
While outreach to non-members is our primary goal, we also recognize the importance of visiting Church members for specific reasons. Here is how our visitation strategy works:

• Reaching Non-Members: The most crucial aspect of our visitation ministry is engaging with those who are not yet part of the Church family. Whether through door-to-door visits, invitations to Church events, or simply connecting with people in the community, we are committed to inviting others to become part of the body of Christ. This is an essential part of our evangelism strategy, and we seek to build genuine relationships with individuals as we share the Gospel.
  
  

• New Members: Welcoming new members is a top priority. When someone joins Watts Chapel, we want them to feel at home. Our visitation team reaches out to new members to ensure they are connected to the Church, understand our mission, and feel supported as they take their first steps into church life. It’s not just about filling a pew—it’s about helping people grow in their relationship with Christ and become active participants in the life of the Church.
  
  

• Potential Leaders: Visitation is also a powerful tool for identifying and encouraging potential leaders. Through intentional visits and conversations, we seek to identify individuals with the gifts and passions to serve in leadership roles within the church. We encourage them, provide guidance, and invite them into deeper involvement in the ministry of the Church.
  
  

• Hurting or Struggling Members: Life’s challenges can leave people feeling isolated and in need of support. Whether it’s a visit to a hospital, a shut-in, or someone experiencing a personal crisis, visitation provides a way for the church to care for its members in times of difficulty. We believe that the body of Christ should be a place of refuge and support, and our visitation ministry is an extension of that love and care.
  
  

Training the Church to Visit

We don’t believe visitation is the sole responsibility of the pastor. Instead, we are committed to equipping and empowering the entire church body to visit and minister to one another.

By training members to reach out, pray for one another, and offer support, we strengthen the body and create a culture of care and compassion. Together, we can accomplish far more than any one person could do alone.

If you’re interested in being part of this vital ministry, we encourage you to join our visitation team and make a difference in the lives of others. Whether it’s visiting new members, reaching out to non-members, or supporting those in need, your involvement will have a lasting impact.