Your Plan Your Visit page on your church website is more important than you may think. In many ways, it serves as the digital front door to your church. When potential visitors are deciding whether or not to attend your church, this page is often the deciding factor.

For most people, the Plan Your Visit page is how they experience your church before they ever step foot inside on a Sunday morning. It shapes expectations, answers questions, and helps reduce the uncertainty that first-time visitors often feel. And as the saying goes, first impressions are everything.

For your church's website to truly support your ministry, it's essential to view it as more than just an information hub. A well-designed Plan Your Visit page is a powerful tool for both ministry and church marketing, helping you welcome new visitors, communicate clearly, and invite people into your church community with confidence.

TL;DR: Your church's Plan Your Visit page is often the deciding factor in whether someone attends on Sunday. A clear, welcoming page that answers common questions and sets expectations helps reduce anxiety, remove barriers, and make visiting your church easy.

What Is a Church Plan Your Visit Page?

A Plan Your Visit page is a page on your church website built specifically for visitors, not members. It's a place where someone can quickly answer questions like, "If I show up this Sunday, what will happen?"

This page gives potential visitors a clear picture of exactly what they're walking into before they ever visit your church in person. Rather than simply relaying information about your church, an effective Plan Your Visit page is designed to reduce uncertainty and guide decision-making for people who are considering attending your worship service for the first time.

Why Every Church Needs a Plan Your Visit Strategy

Most visitors decide they are going to visit your church before Sunday, and most of the time, that decision is made digitally. Their search may begin on Google or a social media link, and a well-designed Plan Your Visit page can often be the deciding factor in whether or not they actually attend on Sunday.

It's important to recognize that people compare churches the same way they compare almost anything else. In many ways, the term "church shopping" is appropriate because that is exactly what people are doing. This is why your church website plays such a critical role. Even if you have a thriving, healthy church, a confusing website that creates friction can prevent people from ever discovering it. Your website sets expectations long before the sermon is preached.

First-time visitors often worry about things like being singled out or not knowing where to go when they arrive. They want to know what their children will experience, what the worship service is like, and what the typical dress looks like at your church. A clear and intentional Plan Your Visit strategy helps address these concerns and gives potential visitors the confidence they need to take the next step and become part of your church fellowship.

What Visitors Want to Know Before They Visit Your Church

Most first-time visitors have the same questions, and your Plan Your Visit page is the perfect place to answer them. This page helps calm fears or reservations people may have about visiting your church for the first time. By using it to paint a clear picture of what a typical Sunday looks like, you give potential visitors the confidence they need to take that next step.

The most effective Plan Your Visit pages should include the following sections:

What Should I Expect on Sunday?

The purpose of this section is to reduce anxiety and uncertainty for first-time visitors. Here, you'll want to describe the flow of your service, not just the components. Help potential visitors understand what a typical Sunday looks like by explaining your order of service in clear, simple language.

It's important to keep descriptions jargon-free and easy to understand. Imagine someone with little or no church experience reading this section. Let them know what the worship service is like, how long the sermon typically lasts, what people usually wear, and when they should plan to arrive. If there are any special instructions, such as parking details or arrival tips, this is also the right place to include them.

Where Do I Go When I Arrive?

Once expectations are set, your visitors need to know what to do after they pull into the parking lot. This is where your Plan Your Visit page can eliminate that awkward moment between arriving and finding a seat. Use this section to walk guests through the experience step by step.

Write this section as though you're standing next to them when they arrive. Assume mild nervousness and zero familiarity, and give simple, clear directions that help them feel confident from the moment they park their car.

What About Children’s Ministry?

If people are planning on visiting your church and they have kids, they'll want to know that their children will be safe in your children's ministry. The Plan Your Visit page is a great place to ease these concerns and assure potential visitors that their kids will be cared for in a safe environment centered on biblical teaching.

Essential Elements of the Perfect Plan Your Visit Page

When someone is considering visiting your church for the first time, your Plan Your Visit page should guide them step by step and help them feel welcomed, prepared, and at ease.

1. Clear welcoming message

Write directly to visitors and set a warm, inviting tone. If possible, include a short video message from your pastor to help visitors feel personally welcomed.

2. Service times and location information

Clearly list service times, your church address, and directions or a map so visitors can easily plan their Sunday.

3. Information and instructions for your children's ministry

Explain what families can expect, how check-in works, and how your church prioritizes safety and care for children.

4. A simple online plan your visit form

Give visitors the option to plan ahead and introduce themselves before attending, helping them feel known and welcomed from the start. This is a great way to connect with people looking for a new church.

How ChurchTrac Helps Churches Create Better Visitor Experiences

For church leaders looking to be intentional about welcoming new visitors, having the right tools makes a real difference. This is where a platform like ChurchTrac can help support your church's Plan Your Visit strategy.

With ChurchTrac, churches can easily create and manage a church website that includes a clear, welcoming Plan Your Visit page. In addition to sharing information, churches can also use online forms to help visitors plan ahead and introduce themselves before ever attending a Sunday service. This allows church leaders to follow up thoughtfully and personally, helping guests feel known and cared for from their very first interaction. Communication is key.

Make Visiting Your Church Easy

At the end of the day, we want your church to be easy to visit. We want your church to reach more people with the gospel of Jesus Christ. The last thing any evangelical church or ministry should want is for people to have to work hard just to decide whether or not they should attend. A confusing or unclear website can create unnecessary barriers for those who are already taking courageous first steps.

This is why your church website should be intentionally leveraged to reach those outside your congregation. A clear, welcoming Plan Your Visit page helps remove obstacles, sets expectations, and communicates genuine hospitality before someone ever walks through your doors. When used well, your website becomes an extension of your ministry, serving the larger purpose of kingdom growth and helping people take their first step toward meaningful connection.

Plan Your Visit FAQs

Does every church really need a dedicated Plan Your Visit page?

Yes. A dedicated Plan Your Visit page helps churches clearly communicate expectations, reduce barriers for first-time guests, and guide visitors toward an in-person visit. Even small churches benefit from having a single, easy-to-find page designed specifically for people who are new.

How detailed should a Plan Your Visit page be?

A Plan Your Visit page should be clear and reassuring without being overwhelming. Focus on answering the most common questions first-time visitors have. Questions like what to expect, where to go, and how families are cared for—while avoiding unnecessary details or internal church language.

How often should churches update their Plan Your Visit page?

Churches should review their Plan Your Visit page regularly, especially when service times, children's ministry procedures, or parking arrangements change. Even when nothing major has changed, reviewing the page from a visitor's perspective helps ensure information stays clear, accurate, and welcoming.