The Come Back Effect: How Hospitality Can Compel Your Church’s Guests to Return is by Jason Young and Jonathan Malm is a good resource for pastors and church planters. The book provides both big and little ideas for retaining church members.

Young and Malm show churches how they can serve people well, but also mention small ways to comfort people, such as by adding a tray of mints. The book explores many practical elements of retaining members, such as making parking and child pick-up easy for guests and members. I found the book to be an engrossing read, and I like how the authors emphasize knowing your guests and being fully present. In an era when many churches are obsessed with gaining new members, this book importantly reminds churches to show hospitality.