The Come Back Effect
How Hospitality Can Compel Your Church’s Guests to Return
About
"Guests want to come back because of what they experience during their first visit. How to make that happen is what Jason and Jonathan share in this book."--from the foreword by Andy Stanley
As any good manager of a hotel, store, restaurant, or attraction knows, the key to getting guests to come back is how they feel when they're there. It's about hospitality. No matter how much effort and time we spend on excellence--a stirring worship time, inspiring sermons, a good coffee blend in the foyer--what guests at our churches really want is to feel welcome, comfortable, and understood.
Written by a church consultant and a hospitality expert, The Come Back Effect shows you the secret to helping a first-time guest return again and again. Through this engaging, story-driven approach, you'll discover how to develop and implement changes that lead to repeat visits and, eventually, to sustained growth in your church or ministry.
"Jason Young and Jonathan Malm have written an important book for anyone hoping to grow their church, expand their ministry, or strengthen their business. In The Come Back Effect, they give the reader practical ways to create a healthy and thriving culture."--Craig Groeschel, pastor, Life.Church; author, Divine Direction: 7 Decisions That Will Change Your Life
"Hospitality is, in its simplest form, the loving of strangers. This book dives deep in showing what that looks like. Read and prepare for impact."--Dr. Johnny Hunt, senior pastor, First Baptist Church Woodstock
"Jason and Jonathan provide leaders with a great framework for creating amazing experiences for first-time and returning guests!"--Tyler Reagin, president, Catalyst
Jason Young is director of guest experience at Buckhead Church and North Point Ministries, a nationally known network of churches with 36,000 people in average weekly attendance. He lives in Atlanta, Georgia.
Jonathan Malm runs SundaySocial.tv and ChurchStageDesignIdeas.com, reaching more than 70,000 church leaders each month, and consults with churches regularly on guest services and creative expression. He lives in San Antonio, Texas.
Endorsements
"Guests want to come back [to church] because of what they experience during their first visit. How to make that happen is what Jason and Jonathan share in this book."
From the foreword by Andy Stanley
"Jason Young and Jonathan Malm have written an important book for anyone hoping to grow their church, expand their ministry, or strengthen their business. In The Come Back Effect, they give the reader practical ways to create a healthy and thriving culture."
Craig Groeschel, pastor, Life.Church; author, Divine Direction: 7 Decisions That Will Change Your Life
"Hospitality is, in its simplest form, the loving of strangers. This book dives deep in showing what that looks like. Read and prepare for impact."
Dr. Johnny Hunt, senior pastor, First Baptist Church Woodstock
"I'm not sure most churches--or businesses, for that matter--pay close enough attention to the power of hospitality in ministry and business. Jason and Jonathan provide leaders with a great framework for creating amazing experiences for first-time and returning guests!"
Tyler Reagin, president, Catalyst
"This is one of the best books I've read when it comes to guest experience and hospitality at a church. Reading through this book made me think of different ways to train my volunteers and how they see and engage with our guests."
Rommel Manio, church experience pastor, Saddleback Church
"To get a guest to come back to your church or business, providing care and delivering excellence are critical in every experience. Jason and Jonathan help you do both with personal stories and practical steps anyone can follow. This is a book you need to read."
Horst Schulze, founder and CEO, Capella Hotels; founder, Ritz-Carlton Hotels
"Service comes from a manual; hospitality comes from the heart. In The Come Back Effect, Jason and Jonathan unpack how gracious hospitality and generosity of spirit will lead to a powerful, lasting relationship between people and your church or business."
Kirk Kinsell, former president and CEO, Loews Hotels; former president, Intercontinental Hotels Group (Americas)
"The environment we create for our guests, team members, and regular attendees speaks to the focus and heart of the organization. Jason and Jonathan clearly articulate, in a practical manner, a framework that ensures everything communicates a loving embrace for all who open the doors."
Paul Bowers, president and CEO, Georgia Power
"How do we take the best knowledge from companies like hotels and restaurants and bring that excellence to the church? I'm excited to see this conversation in the church. Jason and Jonathan give us the tools to create loving, welcoming environments that draw people to the love of Christ."
Cheryl Bachelder, former CEO, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen Inc.; author, Dare to Serve
"Every single person in ministry needs to read The Come Back Effect. Whether your ministry is already bringing people back in droves or you have a long way to go, this book will help you go farther faster. Read this book--and watch your ministry go to the next level."
Luis Martinez-Soto, volunteer development director, Lakewood Church
"It's easy to be become disconnected from what it's like to be a guest. Jason and Jonathan have written an inspiring and helpful book that puts us back in the shoes of our guests and reminds us what matters most. This book is not just for your greeters; it will empower your entire team to create a dynamic weekend experience at church. I will be referencing and recommending this book often."
Brandon Stewart, director, Team Church Conference
"Truett Cathy taught me, 'Hospitality is cheap, but it pays great dividends.' Creating a culture of hospitality is vital for our restaurants and any team that wants to fulfill its purpose. Jason and Jonathan provide a powerful guide to help you create a culture! My hope is this book impacts you at a heart level, where it affects how you serve not only on Sunday but every day!"
Chris Darley, owner/operator, Chick-fil-A, Atlanta, Georgia
The Authors
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Jason Young
Jason Young is a keynote speaker, coach, and consultant who helps churches and businesses thrive by guiding people to understand themselves, each other, and their work culture. The coauthor of The Come Back Effect, The Come Back Culture, The...
Continue reading about Jason Young
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Mario Rogers Photography Jonathan Malm
Jonathan Malm helps churches through his projects, SundaySocial.tv and ChurchStageDesignIdeas.com, and consults with organizations on guest services and creative expression. The coauthor of The Come Back Effect, The Come Back Culture, The...
Continue reading about Jonathan Malm