Most churches want to see new people come through their doors. Most churches would say that they are welcoming. I have found that not to be true. In my many visits to churches, I have discovered that newcomers are often left unattended and avoided. Being a welcoming church starts with being intentional with our resources and directing them towards the first-time guest. If you want to be a welcoming church, here are 12 ways you can do that.
1. Clean up your property: Take a walk around your property and ensure it is clean, well presented, and in good repair. Paint the interior, do some landscaping, modernize and update worn out carpet, ceiling tiles and bathrooms.
2. Clean up your website and social media: Change the front page to talk directly to someone who might want to attend your church on Sunday. Let them know the location and service times and that they are welcome. Most of your language on your web site and social media should be directed to those who currently do not attend your church.
3. Put signage on your property that says Welcome or Everyone Welcome: Where on your property does it say “Welcome”. Putting a clear message that people are welcome creates an ease for those who may want to come but aren’t sure if they can.
4. Have newcomer parking: Make it right at the front and obvious. Put up signs that say, ”New Here? Park Here.”. This sends the message that we are expecting guests to join us.
5. Have friendly greeters at the door: People make a decision whether they will come back within the first few minutes of coming on your property. Your front door welcome greeters will largely determine if people feel welcomed. Make sure you train them. These are very important volunteers.
6. Have someone walk through the drop off process with new parents: If you have a kids check-in process, have a person designated and trained to work with new parents on what to expect and how your children’s ministry work. This is a priority as parents may be reluctant to drop their kids off. Your caring and friendly mannerisms will go a long way.
7. Have undercover greeters who identify and connect with newcomers: Gather a few people in your church who will make it their mission on Sunday to seek out and engage with newcomers. They will sit with them, talk with them after the service and maybe invite them out for lunch. You can have youth and young adults do the same thing.
8. Welcome newcomers at least twice during the service: Whether you see newcomers or not, welcome newcomers during the service and let them know, “we are so glad you are here”. This sends a message to everyone that we are expecting guests every week. It also tells newcomers that they are welcome and puts them at ease.
9. Orient Newcomers to the service: There are many things that happen during a Sunday service that newcomers might not understand. Think them through and take 30 seconds to explain things like: why we sing and how to follow along, why we give, what prayer time is, what a message is, etc… You don’t have to go overboard but you can help people better enjoy what they are experiencing by explaining it.
10. Have a clear and obvious way for them to connect and learn more about the church: It could be a physical or digital connect card, it could be a texting option, it could be a designated table at the back. Whatever it is, make it clear and obvious and simple for someone to connect and get information. Make sure you follow up with them in 24 hours.
11. Invite them to something: Each week, you can invite a newcomer to join you for lunch or for a newcomer’s lunch in a few weeks. You can have an open small group or connection time. Every week invite them to join you. This lets them know that there is a next step for them.
12. Connect with them as they are leaving: The end of the service is a crucial time. Reposition your greeters back in the lobby and have them looking for newcomers that might be staying around. A great time to engage someone who is new is at the end of the service. Connect them with other people and invite them to something.
Go through each one of these items and ask yourselves how are we doing on this? Close the gaps. Remember, intentionality is the key to becoming a welcoming church.
Jeremiah works as an Effectiveness Coach with the ABNWT District of the PAOC. He is a passionate and creative leader who believes that the church is the hope of the world. He uses collaboration, innovation, and inspiration to challenge churches and their leadership to engage in the only mission Jesus ever sent his church on: making disciples.