FOLLOW-UP
*Please do NOT share counselees’ contact information with others without their permission.
Remember- no matter what, always assume the positive, and be polite! Be sure to pray before each time you reconnect. The contact is either a baby in Christ or still an unbeliever, so give him/her time to process what you say.
How to Follow Up
First, text them within 24 hours (ideally within 2 to 4 hours). Read how to text a new believer.
Second, call them within 48 hours. Read how to call a new believer.
Reminders:
The deeper the relationship you have with your new contact, the more effective you will be in follow-up.
Men should follow up with men and women should follow up with women.
When connecting in person, always meet in a public place, such as a coffee shop or church.
When following up with minors, permission by speaking with parents first before continuing to text or call. Never meet with minors alone or without a parent’s permission. It is best practice to speak with minors at normal church services in the public foyer while everyone is around or in the presence of their parents elsewhere.
Texting Protocol
The FIRST text must be simple, basic, and friendly. Remember that you are still a stranger to them. Be kind and positive.
The FIRST text can say something like: “Hey [use their name]! This is [use your name]. We just met in [where you were] and talked about Jesus. I wanted to let you know that I am praying for you. It was nice talking with you. Thank you for your time. God bless!”
If they respond to the FIRST text, then ask them how you can pray for them. Encourage them with a positive Bible verse. Ask if you can give them a call sometime the next day. Ask what time would be best. Then call them at that time.
If they respond to the FIRST and SECOND text and/or FIRST phone call, encourage them to check out the free lessons on www.makingmessengers.com. Also, encourage them to check out one of the churches listed close to them on www.makingmessengers.com.
If they do not respond to the two texts and two calls, then try sending an email (with a message similar to the first text). If they do not respond to the email, then try one last text a week later.
Calling Protocol
The FIRST call must be simple, basic, and friendly. Remember that you are still a stranger to them. Be kind and positive.
In the FIRST call (if they did NOT respond to the text), you could say, “Hi [use their name]! This is [use your name]. We just met in [where you were] on [the day you met] and talked about Jesus. How are you doing?…[let them respond]…It was nice talking with you. I am praying for you. How can I pray for you?…[let them respond]. Then pray for them over the phone (keep it short and simple) and end with…Let me know if you need anything. What time next week would be a good time to call? Thank you for your time. God bless!”
In the FIRST call (if they DID respond to the text, but you get their voicemail), you could leave a message saying, “Hi! [use their name]. This is [use your name]. We just met in [where you were] on [the day you met] and talked about Jesus. It was nice talking with you. How can I pray for you? If I don’t hear from you, I will give you a call sometime next week. Thank you for your time. God bless!”
In the FIRST call (if they did NOT respond to the text, but you get their voicemail), you could leave a message saying, “Hi! [use their name]. This is [use your name]. We just met in [where you were] on [the day you met] and talked about Jesus. It was nice talking with you. How can I pray for you? If I don’t hear from you, I will give you a call sometime next week. Thank you for your time. God bless!”
In the SECOND call (if they DID respond to the first text or call), encourage them live or on voicemail to check out the lessons on www.makingmessengers.com and find a church on www.makingmessengers.com. Pray for them over the phone.
In the SECOND call (if they did NOT respond to the text or first call, but you get their voicemail), you could say, “Hi [use their name]! This is [use your name]. We met in [where you were] on [the day you met]. I’m just checking to see how you are doing. I’ve been praying for you. I’d like to help you grow in your relationship with Jesus. Please give me a call back at your earliest convenience. God bless!
If they do not respond to the two texts and two calls, then try sending an email (with a message similar to the first text). If they do not respond to the email, then try one last text a week later.