On this episode of the Brentwood Baptist Leadership Podcast, Stephanie Prince sits down with Shannon Moore to discuss one of the most important challenges churches face: helping people move from being first-time guests to fully engaged members of the church family.
While many churches focus heavily on first impressions, Shannon explains why hospitality is only the beginning. Healthy churches create intentional pathways that help people find community, discover their purpose, and take meaningful next steps toward discipleship.
Whether you're leading guest services, groups, membership, or simply want to create a more welcoming culture in your church, this conversation offers practical ideas for helping people belong, grow, and engage in God's mission.
In This Episode, You'll Learn
- Why hospitality is only the first step of discipleship
- The biggest barriers keeping guests from becoming engaged members
- How biblical community helps people move from attending to belonging
- Why clear next steps matter more than complicated processes
- Practical ways to improve guest follow-up and engagement
- How Discover coaching creates meaningful relationships and accountability
- The role serving plays in helping people find ownership in the church
- Why healthy churches create cultures where everyone welcomes guests
- How to build systems that help people without losing the relational element
- The difference between a friendly church and a truly welcoming church
Meet the Guests
Stephanie Prince
Stephanie serves at The Church at Station Hill and helps churches think strategically about connections, discipleship pathways, and helping people take meaningful next steps in their faith journey.
Shannon Moore
Shannon Moore serves at The Church at Avenue South, helping people connect to biblical community through groups, membership, and discipleship. With decades of ministry experience, Shannon is passionate about creating environments where people are seen, known, and engaged in the life of the church.