OUR STORY
Church should be a place people want to come back to.
Since 2018, First Impressions has been equipping church leaders to create welcoming environments where every guest feels known, noticed, and loved.
What began as a simple gathering of passionate pastors has grown into a trusted movement serving churches across the country.
How It All Began
In 2018, First Impressions started with a small group of church leaders who believed something deeply:
Church should be a place people want to come back to.
They gathered around one shared conviction — that hospitality isn’t optional. It’s essential.
What began as a passionate conversation quickly became a conference designed to equip churches with practical strategies to create welcoming, guest-ready environments.
And it grew.
As more leaders attended, the message spread:Most first-time guests decide if they’ll return before the sermon even starts.
First Impressions exists to help churches become the kind of place guests want to come back to.
When the pandemic reshaped how churches gathered, First Impressions adapted.
The conference moved fully online, expanding its reach and serving leaders across the country.
The format changed.
The mission never did.
No matter the season, the goal remained the same: equip churches to create environments where people feel welcome from the very first moment.
A New Chapter Begins
In 2024, First Impressions Conference Founder Greg Atkinson approached Tyler Smith, CEO and Co-Founder of Text In Church, about the future of First Impressions.We know how tirelessly you’ve worked to create an impactful first impression on your guests.
What followed wasn’t just a business conversation.
It was alignment around mission.
Text In Church provides easy-to-use communication tools that help churches connect with members and guests beyond Sunday mornings — so people feel known, noticed, and loved.
What began as a simple guest follow-up solution has grown into a comprehensive communication platform serving thousands of churches nationwide.
It quickly became clear:
- This wasn’t just a partnership.
- It was purpose alignment.
Training + Tools. Together.
First Impressions focuses on the training.
Text In Church provides the tools.
Together, it just made sense.
In August 2024, First Impressions officially joined the Text In Church family.
This wasn’t just about growth.
It was about transformation.
By combining trusted hospitality training with proven communication systems, we’re empowering churches to:
- Build stronger connections
- Cultivate deeper community
- Turn first-time guests into lasting relationships
“This acquisition isn’t just about growth—it’s about transformation. Together with First Impressions, we’re equipping churches to create unforgettable guest experiences.”
— Tyler Smith, Co-Founder & CEO
More Than a Conference
Today, First Impressions is positioned to serve church leaders not just through an annual online conference, but year-round.
By combining world-class training with practical communication tools, we help churches stay connected long after the first visit.
You can learn more about:
- Our upcoming conferences on our Events page
- First Impressions Academy on our Academy page
- The communication platform supporting thousands of churches at TextInChurch.com
Still the Same Mission
While our reach has grown, our heart hasn’t changed.
Our mission remains simple:
To equip churches to create environments where every guest feels like they’ve found home.
Now, as part of the Text In Church family, we’re positioned to serve church leaders in bigger and better
ways — combining best-in-class training with practical tools that help churches stay connected long after the first visit.
People Want to Come Back To?
Join thousands of church leaders who are committed to making
every first impression count.
Watch the Mini-Series
