Build the Church

The Guest Journey Game Plan with Brad Hampton

Josh Roberie Season 2 Episode 10

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0:00 | 31:38

Most churches put their best energy into the service—but guests often decide whether they will return before the service even begins.

In this episode, Josh Roberie sits down with Pastor Brad Hampton of SOCO Church and Hello Church to create a practical guest journey game plan. Together, they walk through the entire experience—from the moment someone discovers your church online to their arrival, first visit, follow-up, and next step into community.

You’ll learn:

  • Why the first seven to eight minutes of a guest’s visit matter so much
  • How to evaluate your church through the eyes of a first-time guest
  • The three “front doors” every guest walks through
  • How to replace unanswered questions with clarity
  • Why being friendly is not the same as helping people find friends
  • How to map a clear pathway from first visit to discipleship
  • Why simple, consistent follow-up systems outperform complicated strategies
  • How to build communication workflows that help people feel known, loved, and cared for

Brad also shares how SOCO Church prepares for first-time guests, follows up within 24 hours, and asks a powerful question before inviting people to serve: “How can we serve you?”

If you want to welcome guests well, increase the number of people who return, and help more people move from attending to belonging, this conversation will give you a practical framework you can begin using immediately.

Download Brad’s free discipleship resource:
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/qdd3eg4j4xgef7f5japge/AIe6RkKvbmTMynJByzJC_4s?rlkey=k679kirgmz5z5y1e5bsnx4bc7&dl=0

Help every volunteer discover how God designed them and find a team where they can thrive:
https://yourteam.church

Follow Build the Church on Instagram:
https://instagram.com/buildthe.church

To continue the conversation or get help creating a guest journey game plan for your church, email Josh at josh@buildthe.church.

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