Download the video. While you have many opportunities to make a positive first impression on guests, there are five that really stand out.
- Website. The goal with your website is to set expectations. People have said the sermon begins in the parking lot. Well, today, the sermon begins on your website. How guest-friendly is your website? If you really want to know, ask someone who doesn’t go to your church to visit your site and answer questions. You can hire someone to do this for just $5 here at this site.
- First Impressions. The goal of your first impressions team is to say hello. Placing friendly people at strategic places and teaching them how to make eye contact, recognize new people and say hello can make a huge difference.
- Kids Check In. If you’re visiting a church with your kids, there’s no moment more stressful than trying to get them checked in and to the right rooms. That’s why your goal here is to remove tension. Make sure your kids check in area is smooth, friendly and as streamlined as possible.
- Church Service. Imagine visiting a Buddhist temple for the first time. Would you be confused about what to say or where to stand? It might not be quite that dramatic, but new people in a church service can still feel a little uncomfortable. That’s why you need to explain everything. We’ll talk much more about this in Module 5.
- Follow-Up. Once someone visits your church for the first time, you get to decide what will happen next. Churches who break 200 have a simple and clear follow-up process.
As you work to make your church service as guest friendly as possible, here are some resources that might help.
- Guide to the Welcome. This Word document is a short guide to help you do a welcome segment focused on explaining the service to guests. This 2-3 minute segment in your service is so important. It’s something you should practice and evaluate.
- Sample Connection Cards. We’re big fans of connection cards because they help you identify who is there for the first time so you can follow up with personal attention. Most connection cards are too complicated, so this template is intentionally simple.
- Gift Ideas for Guests. One way to encourage more people to turn in their connection cards (either during the offering or by taking them to a designated area) is to offer them a gift. This ZIP file will give you lots of ideas.
Once you’ve ensured your service is ready for guests, move on to the next video which will help you tweak your communications.