Numerous guests worship with us every week. Many are first-time guests. Others are returning guests. A good percentage of these individuals become CrossPointers.
How we meet and greet our guests is a major key to our outreach as a family of faith. This is one of the primary reasons we wear nametags. We wear nametags so our guests will know who we are and so we will know who they are. So, please remember to wear your nametag.
Another key to our outreach is the way we greet our guests during worship. It is even more important to find ways to welcome them before and after worship. This kind of greeting starts in the parking lot, at the entrance and in the hallways.
Greeting guests is a top priority to us. We greet them warmly because we know people matter to God. We also want them to know they matter to us.
In a recent Twitter survey, Dr. Thom Rainer, President and CEO of LifeWay Christian Resources, asked respondents to share with him a singular event that impressed them in a church worship service. Most of the respondents said they were “delighted” or “surprised” and by one event made them desire to return to the church.
Rainer discovered a pattern developed around nine factors. Here are some representative quotes around each of the issues, followed by Dr. Rainer’s comments:
“Someone had an umbrella waiting for me in inclement weather.”
This comment was made for both snowy and rainy weather. Some of the respondents indicated that someone actually stayed next to them so they would not slip or fall.
“A member actually invited me to lunch.”
I was surprised by the frequency of this response. This invitation had a huge impact on guests.
“The kids area had leaders who were friendly and helpful.”
This issue was obviously highly important to young families. I realize more than ever you keep or lose young families at the point you check the kids in or take them to a class.
“There was a time of meaningful prayer.”
I continue to be gratefully amazed at how important prayer is to guests. They love the times of quiet when people are asked to pray silently. They also love guided prayers.
“Someone walked us where we were supposed to go.”
Every place in a church facility is unknown to a first time guest. They love greeters staying with them and taking the fear of the unknown away.
“There was genuine friendliness outside of the stand and greet time.”
I have come to the conclusion that church members tend to like the stand and greet time more than guests do. In fact, most guests see the stand and greet time as artificial, especially if members are not friendly outside that time.
“People followed up with my prayer requests the next day.”
Many churches have places on guest cards for prayer requests. If leaders in the church emphasize that people will pray for the guests, many are likely to complete the card. The guests are really impressed if they hear from someone the next day.
“I loved having the opportunity to speak with the pastor.”
In some churches, this conversation took place in a reception room after the service. In other churches, the pastor called or wrote a personal email that was obviously not a form email. Guests really love hearing from the pastor.
“I received a gift at the end of the service.”
Many guests love receiving a gift for their visit. Their favorite gifts are freshly baked cookies or freshly baked bread. But any gift is appreciated. Keep in mind, those who responded to our survey noted only one of these nine surprises that caused them to return. They considered any of these efforts above and beyond what they expected.
Based on Rainer’s survey responses, we get it. We offer just about every one of these “surprises” to our guests. I pray we continue to discover more effective ways to welcome our guests.
Deacon Nominations
Deacon nominations are now being accepted throughout the month of February. Nomination forms are available in the Connector. The nominee must have be a member of CrossPoint for at least two years and must sign the recommendation form in order to be considered for nomination.
I Thank the Lord for You
I thank the Lord for a friendly church like CrossPoint. You are incredible people. You are incredible because you serve an incredible Savior. I love you, and I love serving the Lord with you.