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How to become "guest friendly"

Being Guest Friendly

There are specific actions that a church can take that will allow guests to feel welcome and enhance the probability that they will return in the future.

Below are three levels of action that can be implemented, based upon the size and resources of each church. Level 2 assumes that Level 1 has been achieved, and Level 3 is built upon Levels 1 and 2.

Level 1 - Guest Prepared

Before

  • Clear and correct signage inside and outside buildings
  • Designated guest parking
  • Basic brochure with current church information
  • Guest registration cards in each classroom and worship center
  • An empty chair and extra curriculum in each classroom

During

  • Designated greeters at main entrance
  • Designated greeters in worship
  • Designated greeter in each class
  • Guest information collected in classes and/or in worship

After

  • Personal contact from pastor and/or Sunday School class within three days

Level 2 - Guest Positive

  Before

  • Centrally located WelcomeCenter
  • Intentional promotion of church activities to the community
  • Provide guest-friendly ministry to all participants and guests at all church activities (VBS, cantatas, picnics, etc.)

During

  • Greeters at main entrances
  • Welcome center staffed to provide information and escort guests to the appropriate class/department
  • Guest information collected at WelcomeCenter and/or in worship
  • Provide nametags for greeters

After

  • Doorstep visit by deacon with information packet that includes audiotaped message
    and greeting from pastor (Sunday)
  • Phone call from Sunday School class (Monday)
  • Follow-up letter from WelcomeCenter staff (received on Tuesday)
  • Follow-up letter from pastor (received Friday/Saturday)

Level 3 - Guest Proactive

Before

  • Establish a visible presence at community events (information booth, handouts, give-aways, parade floats, health fairs, etc.)
  • Conduct targeted events to discover prospects and increase church visibility (block parties, carnivals, special emphasis days, teachers' luncheons, etc.)
  • Hard-surfaced parking for guests
  • Up-to-date website highlighting church activities and information

During

  • Greeters in parking lot to assist and inform members and guests
  • Escorts to assist WelcomeCenter staff in taking guests to appropriate class/department
  • Guest friendly hosts in worship service
  • Follow-up assignments made by WelcomeCenter staff are ready to be picked up at end of worship service (Sunday a.m.)

After

  • Doorstep visit includes gift and video presentation of church staff and programs
  • Trained letter writers, phone callers and doorstep visitors on a rotation system
  • Create reception area for pastor and staff to greet guests each Sunday.