Back to Church Sunday 2026
"Find Your Place" Planning Guide
We live in a world that is increasingly digital, transient, and lonely. Many people in your neighborhood are searching for belonging, purpose, and a community where they are known. This year, we are equipping you to invite your community to Find Their Place at Your Church! Use this step-by-step planning guide to prepare your congregation and welcome visitors home.
As Soon As Possible
Kickoff & FoundationAdd your church to the national map & download the Free Resource Bundle
Make sure your church is easy to find! By adding your church to the roster of participating churches, your information will be displayed on our national map for people in your area searching for a church home.
- The Find Your Place Sermon & Video Resource Kit from Outreach.com.
- FREE Downloadable Assets from our 2026 Sponsor Partner!
Recruit a prayer team
Ask your staff, ministry leaders, and dedicated volunteers to form a focused prayer team. Have them begin praying immediately for a powerful response from your congregation and your local community.
Set Up Your Church for Success
5-7 Weeks Before EventDownload the 2026 Sermon & Church Kit
Churches who use the Back to Church Sunday Kit resources see significantly higher guest engagement. The 2026 Sermon Kit centers on Matthew 11:28–30 (finding rest in Christ), complete with planning guides, social media graphics, and video bumpers. Share these resources with your communications and creative teams.
Order Promotional and Invite Tools
Equip your church with matching "Find Your Place" invitations, banners, and digital assets:
- Direct Mail Postcards: Send an invitation to every neighborhood household with Outreach Smart Mail (combines mail, email, texting & social ads). Deadline: Late August
- Digital & Social Video Ads: Set up Facebook & Instagram ad campaigns targeting your local radius.
- Outdoor Banners & Signs: High-visibility outdoor banners, yard signs, and flag banners to draw drive-by traffic.
- InviteCards & Door Hangers: Empower members to personally invite friends, co-workers, and neighbors.
Contact local media outlets
Utilize the provided Press Release template in your kit to inform local television stations, radio shows, newspapers, and community event calendars about your Back to Church Sunday plans.
Order First Impression and Greeting Tools
Prepare a warm, unified welcome experience for guests:
- Indoor Banners: Build excitement and provide clear wayfinding across your lobby and sanctuary.
- T-shirts: Outfit greeters, volunteers, youth groups, and staff in matching theme shirts.
- Handheld Signs: High-energy, friendly signs for parking lot attendants and front-door greeters.
Engage Your Members & Start Inviting
3-4 Weeks Before EventAnnounce your plans during weekend services
Cast vision to your congregation during weekend services. Remind them that while society treats people as followers or users, visitors at your church are valued children of God. Distribute personal invite cards and encourage members to begin inviting their friends.
Build a Back to Church Landing Page & update website
Update your website headers with "Find Your Place" social profile graphics. Use OutreachOne or the Outreach App to set up a dedicated event page where visitors can view service times, directions, childcare info, and RSVP.
Plan a Mid-week prayer service
Download the 2026 Prayer Guide included in your digital kit. Gather your congregation for a special mid-week prayer night to commit your outreach efforts to God. Hand out door hangers and invite cards so members can pray specifically for who they will invite.
Put up indoor banners & involve groups in neighborhood outreach
Hang your indoor banners around church hallways and sanctuary entrances. Organize small groups, youth groups, and ministry volunteers to "adopt" surrounding neighborhoods for prayer walks and door hanger placement.
Prepare Your Church to Welcome Visitors
1-2 Weeks Before EventText congregation reminder & launch social media campaign
Send a group text reminder encouraging members to pray and invite neighbors. Post countdown videos and social motion graphics from your "Find Your Place" kit on Facebook and Instagram, encouraging members to re-share.
Display Outdoor Banners and Signs
Position your outdoor banners, yard signs, flag banners, and street signs along property perimeters and main road entrances. These act as mini-billboards to remind neighbors who received your direct mail postcard.
Brief your greeting team & first impressions crew
Hold a brief orientation with parking teams, greeters, ushers, and children's check-in staff. Equip them with handheld signs and t-shirts so they are ready to welcome visitors warmly.
Prepare For Your Services
Week of the EventDownload and customize Sermon and Sermon Slides
Download the sermon manuscript and slide deck provided in the "Find Your Place" digital kit. Adapt the sermon points to fit your pastor's style and your church's specific vision.
Test videos and service countdowns on equipment
Load and test all video bumpers, countdowns, and worship motion loops on your sanctuary media computers at least 3-4 days before Sunday to ensure audio/video playback is flawless.
Deep clean building & hold final team prayer meeting
Perform a thorough cleaning of your sanctuary, restrooms, foyers, and children's facilities. Gather staff and key leaders for a final walkthrough and prayer session dedicating Sunday to the Lord.