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Reach Out

By January 24, 2011November 11th, 2014No Comments

10 Tips for Welcoming Visitors

Most churches are thrilled to see visitors attend services. Often we can reach these people with the gospel; other times we can minister to them as they grow spiritually. Sometimes they are committed believers who may later join us in reaching our community for Christ. Guests matter! That’s why we want to do all we can to welcome them effectively.

Consider these basic suggestions toward more effective ministry in this area . . .

1. Keep the buildings and grounds clean and attractive. When facilities are not well maintained or are unkempt, visitors are turned off. Take the time to upgrade the landscaping, pick up trash, paint as needed, etc.

2. Think through parking issues. An adequate number of spaces, sufficient lighting for nighttime events, general cleanliness, and updated markings are all important considerations.

3. Provide good signage. Attractive signs along the road and in the parking lot that identify parking areas and building entrances remind visitors that they are anticipated and welcomed. Directional signs inside the church building accomplish the same purpose.

4. Enlist and train greeters. Many churches have people prepared to greet individuals as they enter the church building. But are they trained to focus their ministry upon newcomers?

5. Staff a welcome center. If you have not done so already, establish a place in the church lobby (set up a table or build a small counter) where people can get church ministry information and answers to their questions.

6. Pay attention to nurseries and bathrooms. Studies show that guests take note of cleanliness and safety issues. Adequate provision in both areas is crucial!

7. Make visitors feel welcome in services without embarrassing them. Most people don’t want to be singled out. They prefer not to be coerced into raising hands and filling out cards. Find other ways to learn basic information about newcomers and express tactful appreciation for their visit.

8. Train deacons to make contact with guests. Rather than stationing deacons at doors to shake hands after services, consider allowing them to roam—looking for guests who may appreciate a greeting from a church leader.

9. Consider a post-service visitors’ reception. Many churches have established such a ministry to more personally greet guests. Provide light refreshments, information about church ministries, and opportunities to interact with the pastor and other church leaders.

10. Strengthen your strategy for guest follow-up. Most churches send letters to guests’ homes after a Sunday visit. Others utilize e-mail, make phone contacts or home visits, or extend hospitality. Of special importance are those guests whom you perceive to be unbelievers. Proactively plan for follow-up in such cases with the goal of sharing the gospel.

Jim Vogel, GARBC associate national representative
Schaumburg, Ill.

(reprinted with permission from Baptist Bulletin)
Related resources: Serving as a Church Greeter; Serving as a Church Usher

Retail Outreach

Jeanine Gower, Regular Baptist Ministries marketing assistant, shares the following idea for building relationships in retail stores:

Over the past years I have developed casual friendships with women at stores I frequent when shopping.  In addition to getting to know the store personnel, I give tracts to checkout clerks, saying something such as, ‘Here is something I would like you to read on your break.’ These practices have led to opportunities to further witness.

Recently one sales personnel mentioned that she wished she could pass on celebrating holidays as her husband had died earlier in the year. I followed up by giving her a Christian book dealing with the loss of a loved one and how to handle holidays, birthdays, and anniversaries.

With this conversation in mind, I decided to host an after-Christmas get together for my retail friends.  As I would see them in the stores, I would mention the get together and the date, then I followed up with a written invitation. I prayed specifically that the Lord would send those women who needed to come. The ladies who attended the get-together and I  had a wonderful time. It was one step in building relationships with eternity in mind.

Western Weekend Outreach

Horses, great preaching, singing, food, and a campfire were part of our church’s Western Weekend. In anticipation of the weekend, we displayed a western theme  throughout the church using decorations such as saddles, cowboy hats, and boots, and an indoor campfire.

On Friday evening, David Little, president of Baptist Church Planters, challenged the church family to “Ride for the Brand” as faithful followers of Jesus Christ. Then on Saturday morning, we hosted a trail ride in which riders on 25 horses enjoyed the trails of a local state park. Following the trail ride, everyone gathered for a beans and biscuit lunch and an evangelistic challenge from Dr. Little.

On Saturday evening we enjoyed a campfire that included horse rides for children, s’mores, singing, a devotional, and wonderful fellowship under a clear, moonlit sky. We praise the Lord for this opportunity to share the gospel. The weekend concluded with special Sunday services and a carry-in dinner at noon. An enthusiastic “yee-haw!” by the congregation on Sunday morning was a testimony to the success of the weekend by the grace of God.

Tom Robbins, pastor
Faith Baptist Church
Camp Point, Ill.

(See “Western Trail Ride at Camp Point”  at Baptist Bulletin)