When it comes to church, first impressions and the church welcome are everything. Your church’s welcome can make or break a person’s decision to come back. There’s no need to be over-the-top, and some people don’t want a fuss, but it’s always worthwhile making visitors (new and old) feel welcome.
Here are some best practices for making sure you have a great church welcome experience:
1. Greet people at the door with a smile and a handshake.
As anyone who has ever attended a church service knows, the way you’re greeted at the door makes a big difference. A warm smile and a firm handshake from the church greeter can make you feel welcome and appreciated, while a cold shoulder can make you feel like an outsider. That’s why it’s so important to make sure that church visitors are greeted with a smile and a handshake. It’s a small gesture that can make a big difference in how they feel about the church. So if you’re looking for a way to make your church more welcoming, start at the door with a smile and a handshake.
2. Have someone assigned to be the greeter on Sundays.
A church greeter can be a church member or church staff. The church greeter’s role is to make everyone feel welcome as they enter the church. They are the first person that people see when they come in, so it’s important that they be friendly and inviting.
Church greeters can help newcomers feel comfortable and find their way around. They can also answer any questions visitors might have about the church. Having a designated church greeter is a great way to ensure that everyone feels welcome and appreciated at your church.
3. Make sure your signage is clear and up-to-date.
No matter how big or small your church is, it’s important to have clear and up-to-date signage. Your church signs are often the first things that visitors will see when they arrive, so it’s important to make sure that they accurately reflect the church’s brand and message. If your church is undergoing a change or transition, make sure that your signage is updated accordingly. Church marketing is all about making a good first impression, so don’t let your church down by having outdated or unclear signage.
It’s also helpful when people need to find their way around the church – if it’s not clear where you need to go, it can be frustrating. So take the time to make sure that your church signs are clear, accurate, and up-to-date.
Invest in quality church signs that accurately reflect who you are and what you stand for. Your congregation will thank you for it.
4. Have an information table with brochures and business cards.
Keeping everyone in the loop can be difficult, especially when you have a lot of information you want to relay to newcomers. Setting up a table is a great way to make church-goers feel comfortable, informed, and connected to church activities. Church-goers can grab a business card or a brochure and learn more about the church on their own time.
And if you’re looking for volunteers for a specific project or event, an information table is a great place to collect names and contact information. So if you’re looking for a simple way to make your church more welcoming and connected, consider setting up an information table!
5. Give visitors a church welcome tour and introduce them to other members.
When you visit a church for the first time, it’s always nice to be welcomed by a friendly face. But what’s even better is when you’re given a tour of the church and introduced to other members. You can introduce people to the church family and show that the congregation is made up of people from all walks of life, but with one thing in common: a love of Jesus.
Giving visitors a tour of the church is a great way to show them that you’re happy to have them there. It’s also a great opportunity to answer any questions they might have about the church. So if you want to make your church more welcoming, be sure to give visitors a tour!
6. Have a special gift for first-time visitors.
It’s always nice to receive a gift, and church visitors are no exception. A small token of appreciation can go a long way in making guests feel welcome and appreciated. But what kind of gift should you give? The answer may depend on the church’s budget and the size of the congregation.
For smaller churches, a simple handwritten note or a personal tour of the church grounds may be enough. For larger churches, a more significant gift, such as a coffee mug or T-shirt bearing the church’s logo, may be appropriate. Regardless of the type of gift, it’s important to make sure that it conveys a message of welcome and appreciation. By taking the time to select a thoughtful gift, churches can make a lasting impression on first-time visitors.
7. Invite visitors to a coffee hour after the service.
Coffee hour is a time-honoured tradition in many churches, and for good reason. It’s a great way to relax and socialize with other church members after the service. And it’s also an ideal opportunity to get to know visitors and help them feel more comfortable in their new surroundings.
If your church doesn’t already have a coffee hour, now is the time to start one! All you need is some coffee and snacks. By taking the time to chat with visitors over coffee, you can help them feel more welcome and connected to the church community.
8. Have a follow-up plan for visitors.
It’s one thing to make church visitors feel welcome, but it’s another thing to keep them coming back. That’s why it’s important to have a follow-up plan for visitors. After all, the goal is not just to get visitors in the door, but to get them involved in the life of the church.
There are many ways to follow up with visitors, but one of the simplest is to send them a thank-you note or email. You can also invite them to other church events – you just need to collect some contact information from them. Make sure you stick to data protection guidelines!
If you really want to make a lasting impression and don’t think it’s a step too far (use your judgement), you can even give them a call to check-in and see how they’re doing. By following up with visitors, you can show that you care about them and their involvement in the church.
9. Pray for visitors.
Prayer is a powerful tool, and it’s especially effective when it comes to making church visitors feel welcome. When you pray for visitors, you’re asking God to bless them and work in their lives. You’re also asking for guidance on how best to serve them.
Prayer is a simple act, but it can have a profound impact. So if you want to make your church more welcoming, be sure to include visitors in your prayers.
10. Don’t forget to train your church welcome greeters.
Greeters play a vital role in the church welcome experience. They’re the first point of contact for visitors, and they set the tone for the entire visit. That’s why it’s so important to train your greeters to be hospitable and welcoming.
The best way to train your greeters is to give them some specific instructions. For example, you might tell them to greet each visitor with a smile and a sincere handshake. You might also tell them to ask visitors about their week and engage them in conversation. By taking the time to train your greeters, you can ensure that they’re ready to make a positive impression on everyone who comes through the door.
Make Your Church Welcome The Best!
Making church visitors feel welcome is important, but it’s not always easy. By following these tips, you can make sure that your church is a warm and inviting place for everyone. With a little effort and planning, you can make sure that your church welcome is the best it can be.