As a pastor, one of the things I pray for regularly in our church is for those who may visit or “tryout” our church for the first time. In church terms we often call them visitors. Don’t get me wrong, I deeply love the church that is stable and faithful. The stability helps with ministry and outreach. But I pray specifically as our church is reaching out, taking risks, and opening its doors for these new people.
It is this idea of prayer that I want to share with you today.
1. Pray for Visitors
I dont think that I would need to convince you about the need to pray for visitors. It’s like praying for guests at a dinner party. You’re excited they might come, and you want them to feel welcome when they do.
I genuinely believe in my church. I believe our church family has something beautiful to offer. Something I want to share not just with our community, but with the world. I think very highly of our church (and I hope you think of yours in the same way too).
So yes, we pray for visitors. We ask God to stir hearts, to lead people to our doors, and to use our tools of website, social media, and word of mouth to encourage them to attend. So that we might be faithful stewards ready of their presence.
2. Pray for the Church Family
I also pray that our church family is warm, welcoming, and most importantly intentional about making connections. Welcoming someone at the door is great, but it’s what happens before and after the service that really matters.
The moments of conversation in the seats, the introductions before worship starts, and the effort to find common ground. These are what help someone feel not just welcomed, but connected.
I often try to encourage our church: “A visitor may leave saying we were friendly, but what I really want is for them to say they felt connected.”
3. Pray for the “Fit”
As someone who wholeheartedly supports our church, I naturally want people to find a place to grow here. I want visitors to connect with us, to feel like this is their spiritual home. So I pray for that things such as:
- alignment of beliefs (alignment on items that need it, and grace to offer on items that don’t)
- encouragement for spiritual growth
- challenged by God’s Word
- belonging
4. Pray for When It Doesn’t Fit
This is the hard prayer.
One of the most difficult, yet honest prayers I pray is this:
“Lord, if we’re not the right place for them, and they’re not the right fit for us, make it clear. And lead them to the church where they will grow, serve, and move closer to You.”
As a pastor, I carry a spiritual responsibility not only for those already in our church but for those who visit. Even if someone is only here for a Sunday or two, I want to see them walk in God’s will. If that means they belong elsewhere, I want to support that journey in prayer.
Pastor Mark’s Takeaway:
By sharing how I pray for visitors, I hope you understand how deeply I believe in the importance of the local church. Being part of a church family isn’t just about showing up, it’s about growing in faith, being known, and walking with others toward Christ.
So yes, we pray. But let’s also act by welcoming, connecting, and encouraging those God brings through our doors.
“Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.” – Romans 15:7
Mark Rogers
Pastor Mark is the primary author and content creator of pastormarkrogers.com. Additionally, he serves as Pastor of Lighthouse Sylva. You can find out more by clicking the About Page.
