Was thinking through some practical ways to welcome first time guests at Pathway, or any church for that matter:
- Get past the "I'm a guest" stage...hah! If you've attended for a few weeks, look at yourself as a regular, not a guest! Get plugged into the life of the church and at least one serving opportunity there at the church (ushers, greeters, etc.)! I could say more, but let's leave it at that.
- Park as far away as you can from the door! If you are a single mom, or have a hard time walking, etc., you are absolutely exempt from this. But if you are physically able, take one of the parking spots in the far end of the parking lot. Save those closest to the doors for our guests.
- Get your booty in service! I know it's nice to chat in the lobby over a cup of coffee, but it feels a bit awkward for our guests to be the only one's sitting in a section until halfway through the song service!
- Give up your seat! That's right...if you EVER see a guest headed to the front row to sit b/c that's the only open spot, you invite them to take your seats and get your family to the front row. Don't ever make a guest sit on the front row unless they want to.
- Greet, greet, greet! Ok...I realize that not everyone is a natural greeter...but...even the most inward person alive can make a huge difference in a guests experience by simply saying, "Hi, glad to have you with us today." or "Hi, I'm _______________, what was your name? Great to have you at Pathway (insert your church name) today." Go out of your way to make people feel welcome (with sincerity of course!).
- Lookout! Be on the lookout for anyone that seems to be lost. Looking for a bathroom? You show them where they are. Looking for Kid's Church? You walk them there.
- Pray! Pray throughout the week that God will give you favor as you invite others to a weekend service. Also, pray that those that come receive Christ, and get what God desires to give them...Hope...Salvation...Healing!
Good stuff! What would you add to this list?
8. Talk to them, love on them, invite them over to your house (or take them out)for lunch. Be interested in getting to know them. (Not just them knowing us)
Posted by: Tammie Griffin | June 09, 2011 at 12:46 PM
Scott...you are always (well most of the time) right on target and you definitely are here. We had a pastor in Plymouth, MI that told the regulars and especially the members "FRONT SEAT AND BACK SPACES!" Fits right with what you have said. Now, how do you get that through to the flock with the never ending traditional habits? Ha! Ha! Bless you brother. You might even invite the visitors to lunch with you.
Posted by: Pastor Mike Bundy | June 09, 2011 at 02:32 PM