Did Your Church Miss the Faith Awakening This Year?

On January 5, 2025, the YouVersion Bible App experienced a moment of divine momentum — 798,000 people installed the app in a single day, the largest single download day in its history. Bobby Gruenewald, founder of YouVersion and pastor at Life.Church, shared that more than 18.2 million people engaged with God’s Word that Sunday, proving that hearts everywhere are still hungry for truth, hope, and connection.

And what about the second-biggest day ever? You might think Easter or Christmas — but it was actually the first Sunday of the previous year, showing that a new year often inspires new beginnings in faith.

Even New Year’s Day ranks among the top three, reminding us that people around the world are choosing to start their year grounded in Scripture and guided by God’s Word.

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I’ve spent the last 25 years helping churches grow, and year after year, I watch them pour massive effort and resources into outreach for Easter and Christmas. Yet most completely overlook the single best time of the entire year to invite people to church — the moment when hearts are most open and ready for change. I say it every year, and I even wrote about it in my book MARKETING LIKE GOD: DEVELOPING & IMPLEMENTING A BIBLICAL MARKETING STRATEGY FOR CHURCH GROWTH

That time is the first Sunday of the new year. While many churches are winding down from the holidays, people everywhere are setting new goals, reflecting on their lives, and searching for deeper meaning. Their hearts are soft, their minds are open, and they’re more ready than ever to reconnect with God.

Every January, millions of people download the Bible app, start reading plans, and make commitments to grow in their faith. It’s a season of spiritual awakening — a window of opportunity that too many churches miss.

In January, hearts will turn toward God, searching for guidance. Will they find your church waiting to welcome them? So I’ll say it again: Don’t wait for Easter. The harvest starts in January.

When a church leans into this moment with purpose — with messages of hope, renewal, and fresh beginnings — lives are changed, attendance grows, and momentum builds that carries through the entire year.

The planning for the new year begins now. January may seem far away, but the seeds of revival are planted long before the calendar flips. People will be searching for spiritual direction — the question is, will they find your church?

Start preparing today. 

1. YOUR MESSAGE: Create a clear, hopeful message with a strong that speaks to new beginnings.

2. YOUR INVITATION: Encourage your members to invite their friends, coworkers, and family — not just to a service, but to a fresh start with God.

3. YOUR MARKETING: Use every tool available: direct mail, social media, personal invitations, community events, and simple one-on-one conversations.

   
   

Remind your congregation that every invitation is a chance to change a life. 

When the new year dawns and people start asking, “Where can I find hope?” — your church should already be the answer waiting for them.

Here’s how we can help:

One of the most powerful ways to invite people to your church is by going straight to their homes. Unlike crowded inboxes or endless thumb-scrolling on social media, direct mail puts your message literally in the hands of your neighbors, cutting through the noise and connecting with the hearts of people in your community.

 A well-planned direct mail campaign lets you speak directly to your neighbors, delivering a personal message of hope, renewal, and new beginnings

when their hearts are most open — in January.

1. A Targeted Mailing List: We identify homes in your area most likely to respond, ensuring your invitations reach those seeking spiritual guidance.

2. Custom Message Design: We craft beautiful, inspiring postcards that reflect your church’s heart — emphasizing new beginnings, hope, and community.

3. Timing for Maximum Impact: Your mail arrives the week before your first message, keeping your message series fresh in their minds.

4. Easy-to-Act-On Call to Action: Each piece includes a clear invitation — whether it’s to a Sunday service, a special New Year’s event, or a Bible study — making it simple for recipients to take the next step.

5. Follow-Up Support: We provide tips on encouraging your congregation to follow up personally, reinforcing your message, and creating a welcoming experience.

6. Tracking: We track your cards with USPS Informed Delivery so we know when they get delivered and are not lost in the mail.

A direct mail campaign gives your church visibility and a personal touch in a time when people are searching for answers. With the right strategy, the first Sunday of the new year could become your church’s most impactful day yet.

Don’t Miss This!

The first Sunday of the new year is UNDENIABLY the most powerful time of the year to reach people searching for hope, direction, and purpose. I’ve been telling churches this for the past 25 years — yet every year, many miss this once-a-year opportunity and wonder why their growth didn’t match what they prayed for or expected the rest of the year.

Disheartening? Yes. But even more importantly, countless lives go untouched.

Now that you know, the question is: what will you do with that knowledge?

Act now. Plan your outreach. Prepare your invitations. Make sure your message reaches your community as hearts begin to seek God this year. Your church can change lives this January — don’t let this moment pass!

Reach out today and schedule an appointment with one of our church marketing specialists. Let’s reach your community together this January!