By
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2 minute read
Every church has those seasons when attendance rises. It could be Christmas or Easter, a local revival, or even a parish milestone celebration. For many people, it’s the first time stepping into a church in months—or even years.
The real question for ministry leaders is: how do you make sure those people don’t slip away once the event is over?
That’s where Called comes in. Called is the discipleship app designed by ministry leaders to help ministry leaders build stronger, more connected communities. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday Mass, organizing a baptism weekend, or planning a community outreach event, Called gives you the tools to make every person feel needed and known.
Here’s a practical checklist for ministry leaders on how to use Called before, during, and after an attendance surge.
Step 1: Get Your Church Community on Called
The first step is simple: set up your ministry on Called.
This creates a digital “home base” where everyone—leaders, long-time members, and newcomers—can stay connected.
Unlike email lists or social media, Called is built specifically for church communities. You can:
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Create groups
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Message members directly
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Post prayer requests
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Track member engagement
Having your community on Called means you’re ready to welcome visitors and help them stick around long-term—no matter the season.
Step 2: Prepare Before the Surge
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Update Member Profiles: With Called’s People dashboard, you can record notes about members—like interests, prayer needs, or family details—so you can connect personally when you see them. That small touch helps people feel known.
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Plan Guest Engagement: Post announcements in your Called community so members and visitors know where to find resources, introductions, and next steps. No more lost emails or missed details.
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Empower Volunteers: Assign active members leadership roles in Called (admin, leader, or editor) to active members. They can help welcome newcomers, share encouragement, and post event updates. This shows your regular members they’re valued while making sure new guests are served well.
Step 3: Stay Connected During the Surge
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Send Real-Time Updates: Use group messaging for reminders, livestream links, or even a prayer before services begin. Visitors and members stay cared for in the moment.
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Welcome Visitors by Name: When someone joins your Called community, acknowledge them right away with a group or personal message. That simple recognition can make the difference between returning and drifting away.
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Encourage Sharing: Create space for members to post photos, favorite traditions, or prayer intentions. This builds relationships beyond Sunday and makes your church feel like a true family.
Step 4: Follow Up After the Surge
Most guests won’t return if there’s no follow-up. Called helps you reach out personally and keep people engaged.
- See Who’s Engaged (and Who’s Not): A one-way communication email doesn't tell you who actually reads your emails or not. With Called+ member insights, you can track activity and notice when someone hasn't been active in a while. This makes it easy to check in with a “We missed you!” note.
- Give Clear Next Steps: Invite new visitors to join a small group, Bible study, or parish event already running in Called. Instead of vague announcements, they have a clear path to belong.
- Celebrate Together: Post photos, videos, and thank-you notes from your event or service. This reinforces that their presence mattered.
Step 5: Keep the Momentum Going Year-Round
A surge in attendance is just the beginning of a relationship. Ministry leaders who continue using Called see stronger retention because the app consistently keeps people engaged.
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Share weekly Scripture reflections and encouragement.
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Post opportunities to serve or volunteer.
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Recognize member contributions.
When people feel needed and known, they stay connected.
Don’t Let Surges Become Missed Opportunities
Big events bring people to your church. Called helps you keep them connected. With tools for communication, organization, and engagement, Called supports ministry leaders in turning visitors into lifelong disciples.
Ready to kickstart your small group journey? You can create a community (completely free) here today. If you're looking for more tools to manage and grow your small groups, you can start your 14-day free trial of Called+ today, and experience the difference for yourself.
Together, let's build communities built on small group programs that lead people to Christ and make disciples in the modern world.
