7 Little "Extras" that Make Visitors Feel Welcome
Every congregation has visitors. Even small, rural congregations have visitors from time-to-time. Since we are in a fairly large city (and near the airport, Opryland Hotel, and LP Field), we have regular visitors. We are always excited to see new faces. Visitors are exciting, whether from near or far.
I have never met with anyone who says, “Our congregation just isn’t friendly.” Every congregation thinks it is doing well in welcoming visitors, but we’ve all had moments where we knew we didn’t feel welcome. What are some steps congregations can take? Here are just a few, and I hope you’ll add to the list in the comments.
1. Greet people before they enter the auditorium. People have usually made up their mind about the friendliness of the congregation before they ever enter the auditorium (or Bible class). Don’t just stand around in the lobby talking to each other. Make sure you greet those whom you don’t recognize and let them know you’re thankful they are present. Ask where they are from or what brings them to town. You know you are thankful when that is done and you are the visitor.
2. Have greeters of different ages. Our young adults rotate having a family come early (about 20 minutes before services) to greet everyone, but especially other young adults. This has proven to be a wonderful idea. Don’t just “assign” greeters because someone has been a greeter for 50 years. Think of people of all ages who are friendly and can do a wonderful work. (Also, don’t think that you don’t have to greet just because you weren’t assigned!!!)
3. Greet in your Bible classes. We often fail to greet anywhere other than for worship. Taking that extra step and coming to Bible class isn’t easy for a visitor. Make sure you fellowship in your classes, but also make sure you include those who are from other places. They are probably pretty nervous to be in that room!
4. Offer your seat. What?!? Yes. You’re seat isn’t that important. Offer to give up your seat, or at least to let a visitor sit beside you. What a difference from “Excuse me, you’re in my seat!!!” You can worship from one row closer or further just as well as where you usually sit.
5. Offer a meal. Don’t let your friendliness end with the worship service or Bible class. Make sure a visitor (especially one from the area) has a Sunday meal. If a group is going out to eat or to someone’s home, what a wonderful offer to make to a visiting family! It’s a built-in way to show someone the Christian community outside the walls of the building.
6. Don’t just point…take the person where they need to go. I hate visiting and asking where a class (or restroom, water fountain, etc.) is, only to have someone point down a hallway and say, “It’s down there.” Unless your building is a university campus, you can take a few moments to walk that person to the place they need to get (or ask someone else to help you do that). That small personal touch tells someone you’re grateful for his or her presence.
7. Follow up. If your visitors fill out visitors’ cards, please use them as a resource to follow up. Don’t just count them and report, “We had 9 visitors’ cards from Sunday.” If they live out of the area, send a card or email (actually, the congregation sending 2 or 3 will help them want to come back if/when they are in your area again). If they live in the area, visit them MONDAY. Don’t wait! They took the time to fill out a card, you can take a few minutes to visit.
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What else do you do that is effective?
9 Comments
Scott
A few years ago, a lady and her elementary age daughter visited us Sunday morning. We took the girl to class and ‘Mom’ came to our young adults class. She filled out a visitors card before worship. That afternoon the weather turn rough to our west, prompting tornado outbreaks in Mississippi and parts of W. AL. Our elders decided to “call off evening services.” Two or three members (including me) called this lady to let her know about the cancellation, but would love to see her Wednesday. A few weeks later she was baptized into Christ. Her comment was that the care we showed her concerning the evening service and the concern for the safety of our church family convinced her, she needed to be a part of that group.
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Gallagher
We recently put four parking spaces beside teh handicapped spaces labeled “Visitor Parking.” We have had many positive comments from the congregation and our visitors.
It is nice to let visitors have a space close to the building instead in the back 40 acres of the parking lot.
Joe Adams
The follow up is important and makes an impression either good or not so good. We recently visited a congregation in Mesa, AZ and in the days following we received seven personal notes from different individuals. Quite different from a standard form letter. Also in addition to offering your seat, ask a visitor if they would like to sit with you.
Mitchell Skelton
Great common sense reminders, Adam! I’ll be passing this along to our Shepherds and deacons. And, if you don’t mind, I may print this in our church bulletin in the next few weeks.
faughnfamilyof4
No problem. I’d be honored for you to use this in your bulletin.
Tim Archer
Good thoughts. It’s so easy for a church to get caught up in showing love toward one another, strengthening fellowship, etc., that we make outsiders feel like, well… outsiders.
Grace and peace,
Tim Archer
Warren Baldwin
Great thougths, Adam. I passed this around to our elders, deacons and greeters.
wjcsydney
Have Greeters rostered in the car park, outside the door on the steps as well as inside. Have the person who greets them introduce them to a regular who will offer to sit with them and take them for tea/coffee after. All regulars know it is everyone’s responsibility towelcome visitors/newcomers.
Follow up every newcomer/visitor with an email or call. Visitors to our evening service (after which we have meals a couple of times a month) eat for free. (Regulars pay $7 per meal which goes to missions)