ed. note: We can work very hard to create communications that will link us with visitors and make ongoing connections, but if we have grumpy people and messy churches all the careful communication pieces won't mean anything. Our wonderful encourager, Gayle Hilligoss has some tips that will help any church make your actions match your message.

The church sign proudly proclaimed The End of Your Search for a Friendly Church. An hour later the visitor was certain someone had violated the truth in advertising laws.

While friendliness is not the primary element drawing people to a congregation, most won’t stay around long enough to discover the church’s other attributes unless a hospitable, welcoming environment initially puts them at ease.   If you have been ensconced as a church member for a while, you may owe it to your church to visit some other churches to sense for yourself what it is like to be a visitor again.

Most staffs and members want to be caring and friendly, but in the midst of teaching, preaching and fellowshipping, too many give way too little attention to the impressions their visitors receive.   Perhaps if we could figuratively slip into the shoes of a guest for a few Sundays we would be more sensitive to visitors and new members in our own congregations.

Consider  these observations noted after visiting scores of congregations and talking with their members and staff; see how you can use them to the advantage of your own situation.  

Churches send positive messages by:

• choirs that smile during the songs and stay awake during the message
• members who are friendly beyond the time designated to be friendly
• parking near the door reserved for visitors rather than the staff
• clean and well cared for buildings and grounds
• walkways cleared of ice, snow, grass, mud
• attractive, functional signs inside and out
• members who refrain from chatting during the music or message
• a reception area staffed with friendly people ready to give directions or help
• words of choruses printed in the bulletin for those unfamiliar with them
• sending the church newsletter for a few weeks after the visit
• the pastor acknowledging the visit with a letter
• personable music directors who look like they enjoy what they are doing
• crisply printed bulletins with print large enough to be read easily
• providing thoughtfully prepared New Member packets  

Things that should never happen, but often do:

• the first communication from the church has to do with finances
• scruffy, hand-lettered signs designate classrooms and clutter walls
• bulletin boards contain out of date information
• the only greeting visitors receive is an obligatory handshake during the service
• only a few members welcome the new members following the service
• no church directory is included in the New Member packet
• people’s talents are ignored when they are asked to fill positions in the church  

Things that could always happen, but seldom do:

• pretty bowls of wrapped mints are on the reception desk
• staff members turn to give attention to the choir when it sings
• men on the platform stand when a woman comes to the platform
• new members receive a handwritten note from the pastor
• beautifully landscaped grounds are planted and cared for by volunteers
• professional or neat computer-generated signs are used
• new members and visitors receive a call from the church office on Monday
• churches benefit by allowing members to use their unique talents

With members and staff working together any church can become more visitor friendly. Assistants can bring about significant differences. Pastors and ministering staffs can become more sensitive to what it is like to be on the other side of the pulpit. Congregations can follow their lead.

Why? Because many people want to end their search for a friendly church.

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Ending note from Yvon:

If your church has a unique way of making guests feel welcome, please share it with us in the comments section here. Thanks so much!