Case Study
Claremore Methodist
How Claremore Methodist used Apptendance to capture more first-time guests, strengthen children’s security, and create a culture of connection across two campuses.
Church Profile
Claremore Methodist welcomes people across a Main Campus and South Campus, with children’s ministry serving roughly 200 children. Before Apptendance, attendance was often counted—while relationships were hard to start.
The Challenge
Worship attendance relied on headcounts and paper connection cards. Children’s check-in ran on paper sign-in sheets. Records were inconsistent, follow-up was difficult, and campuses lacked a shared process.
“We knew more people were visiting than we were capturing.”
Jamie Willis, Associate Pastor
The turning point
The issue wasn’t attendance. The issue was relationships. Without accurate guest information, Monday follow-up stalled—and ministry opportunities were missed.
What Changed
Not another attendance counter—visibility that helps Claremore connect people after Sunday.
In the three months before Apptendance, only three first-time guests registered through paper connection cards. On the first Sunday with Apptendance, Claremore captured information for 10 first-time guests.
Leadership describes the change simply: Apptendance has exponentially increased first-time guest check-ins—because scanning a QR code is easier than pen and paper.
“More people have signed in with a code who never would have signed in with pen and paper.”
Capture only matters if it leads somewhere. After stronger guest visibility and Monday follow-up, Claremore’s Newcomers Lunch grew from an average of about 5 guests to 35–40—roughly 600–700% growth in newcomer participation, now approaching capacity.
That is the Guest Growth story: names become relationships, and relationships become belonging.
Badge printing and a unique parent/child PIN each week created a clear, secure pick-up process. New families typically set up in under five minutes; returning families check in in about a minute or less.
“Apptendance created a more secure environment in the children’s ministry.”
Sara Litterell, Children’s Ministry Director
Pastors review check-ins every Monday—first-time guests, prayer requests, visitor information and trends. QR check-in is reinforced in worship so guests are not singled out. What started as a tool became culture across campuses.
“Check-in is part of anything that happens on Sunday morning. It’s become part of the culture now.”
Why Apptendance
Guests scan a QR code. Returning attendees are recognized on later visits—effortless after the first check-in.
South Campus started with a QR code and signage. Setup was quick; volunteers needed minimal training.
Worship and children’s check-in share a consistent system—so families feel continuity between campuses.
What Leaders Say
“Apptendance has exponentially increased the number of first-time guest check-ins.”
Jamie Willis · Associate Pastor
“Easy to use check-in and follow-up.”
John Vick · Associate Pastor
“Apptendance created a more secure environment in the children’s ministry.”
Sara Litterell · Children’s Ministry Director
“If your goal is connecting with first-time guests, get Apptendance.” — Jamie Willis
Bottom Line
They needed a way to know who was walking through the doors—and to follow up so connection could begin.