What is an Invitation Journey?

An invitation journey is a powerful digital tool designed to create meaningful connections and open doors for conversations about faith, hope, and belonging. Using the NextSteps platform, you can craft engaging invitations that go beyond simply sharing information, allowing you to reach out to friends, family, or even strangers in a personalized and interactive way.

Understanding Invitation Journeys

Invitation journeys are versatile and can be used for various purposes, such as:

• Inviting people to attend an event
• Encouraging individuals to join a group
• Connecting people with your church community

These journeys are designed to engage participants and guide them through a series of steps, providing information and encouraging interaction along the way.

Creating an Invitation Journey with NextSteps

Let's walk through the process of creating an invitation journey using the NextSteps platform. For this example, we'll create a journey to invite someone to a Christmas service at your church.

Step 1: Start a New Journey

1. Log in to your NextSteps account.
2. On your dashboard, click on "Create Custom Journey."
3. A new project will open, starting with a placeholder card.

Step 2: Customize Your Journey

1. Begin by editing the placeholder card to introduce your Christmas service invitation.
2. Add subsequent cards to include:
   • Information about your church
   • Service times
   • Additional details (e.g., special music, children's programs, parking information)

Step 3: Enhance Engagement

To make your invitation journey more engaging:

1. Incorporate visuals: Add images or videos of previous Christmas services or your church community.
2. Include interactive elements: Create cards with questions or choices that allow the user to personalize their journey.
3. Provide clear calls-to-action: Add buttons or links for RSVP, directions, or contact information.

Step 4: Review and Refine

1. Go through your journey as if you were an invitee to ensure all information is clear and the flow is logical.
2. Make any necessary adjustments to improve the user experience.

Step 5: Publish and Share

Once you're satisfied with your invitation journey:

1. Publish the journey using the NextSteps platform.
2. Share the journey link or QR code through various channels such as social media, email, or text messages.

Best Practices for Effective Invitation Journeys

To maximize the impact of your invitation journey:

1. Personalize the Experience: Tailor the content to resonate with your target audience's interests and needs.
2. Keep it Concise: Provide enough information to pique interest without overwhelming the invitee.
3. Use Engaging Visuals: Incorporate high-quality images or short videos to make the invitation more appealing.
4. Offer Multiple Touchpoints: Include various ways for people to connect or respond, such as RSVP options, contact forms, or links to social media.
5. Follow Up: Use the data gathered from your journey to follow up with invitees personally.

Adapting Your Invitation Journey

Remember, the beauty of using NextSteps for your invitation journeys is the flexibility it offers. You can easily adapt this Christmas service invitation journey for any event your ministry is hosting. Simply modify the content, visuals, and interactive elements to suit different occasions such as:

• Easter services
• Community outreach events
• Bible study groups
• Youth activities
• Volunteer opportunities

By leveraging the power of NextSteps invitation journeys, you can create impactful, personalized experiences that move people from passive content consumption to active engagement with your church community.For more information on creating effective digital invitations and enhancing community engagement, visit the Jesus Film Project Tools page. Additionally, for technical support and further guidance on using the NextSteps platform, consult the NextSteps Support Page. Remember, the key to a successful invitation journey is creating a welcoming, informative, and engaging experience that makes people feel valued and excited about connecting with your church community.