By: Vickie Denning, Stewardship
Have you thought about what it’s like to be a newcomer in our church?
What was it like for you? Did you find the right driveway? A parking space? Could you find your way around campus? Were you greeted? Were you greeted with genuine warmth and interest? If needed, did you find the nursery or the Sunday School check-in for your children? Could you find the bathrooms? The coffee? Did you comfortably find a seat for service? Could you follow the order of service? Did you get lost by insider language and symbols? Were you overwhelmed with all the things requesting your attention in the bulletin or out on the patio? Did you find someone to shake hands with? Did someone do more than say “Peace be with you”? Would you come back?
Whew. Finding a church home can be intimidating. So what can we do?
- Smile. As the kid on TV says, I know you got one!
- Make eye contact. Not a stare or death ray look, okay?
- Greet. Hi, Hello, Welcome, Good morning. Pick your fav.
- Ask “Are you new here?” Try out “new” instead of “visitor.” Just trust me on this one.
- If you’re not sure they’re new, you might say “I don’t think I’ve met you. My name is ….” You should say your name, not “dot dot dot dot.”
- Show them where the nursery, Sunday School sign-up, restrooms, and coffee are located. Put on your best tour guide persona and show them our beautiful campus.
- Answer questions about the order of service and point out the screens, which will be a visual guide to what we’re doing for the next hour. Yes, telling them they’ll be here for an hour is helpful.
- Assure them that ALL are truly welcome to be with us and to share communion, which is simple bread and wine that brings us the presence and love of Jesus. Let them know we have gluten free wafers and grape juice available.
- Invite them to come back.
So, go forth and welcome. I know you got this!
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