ARTICLE First Contact How do you connect first-time guests to the church body? Erwin McManus, Ken Fong, Cheryl Sanders
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Erwin McManus Mosaic
Los Angeles,
California
Plug Them in, Quick!
The number one indicator that a first-time guest will be here a year from now is if we get them serving somewhere, so first contact is critical.
A lot of times trying to assimilate guests is like fishing in the rapids—they're rushing in and out. We create shallower pools, places where people slow down so we can talk to them. We have ...
ARTICLE Second Impressions Your church passed their first visit, but will they come back? Charles Arn
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First impressions are important to first-time guests at your church, but the half-hour after service can determine whether they'll come back—and stay. Our research reveals three insights:
"Friendliness of the people" is the most important thing newcomers look for.
"Friendliness" is based on how many people talk to them.
The most important time for "friendly talk" is immediately following the service.
ARTICLE Helping Guests Feel at Home 5 churches' bright ideas for a warmer welcome. James Appleby, Gene Appel, Merle Mees, Wayne Ogimachi, Jim Tomberlin
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6 Ounces of Security
We employ four strategies to make our church more welcoming.
Hospitality time. We have a 20-minute segment between our two services
when we provide coffee, juice, and donuts in our lobby. Greeters and hosts
mingle and welcome people with cup in hand (one greeter remarked, "It's amazing
how a six-ounce cup provides a sense of security for a 180-pound male").
Response cards. Our worship bulletins have perforated tear-offs that
members and guests are asked to fill out and place in the offering plate.
It has spaces for all kinds of quick interaction (such as "My decision today,"
"I'd like information," "Prayer need"), which we try to respond to quickly.
ARTICLE Shooter in the Church A police officer's advice on how to prevent, and react to, a gunman at church. Andrew G. Mills
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Churches are notorious for minimal security. And while acts of violence at church are rare, recent shootings at churches and schools beg the question: What can leaders do to protect their people? Based on experience in the pulpit and on the police force, here are four steps you can take to reduce risk—and possibly save lives—at your church.
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