First Impressions 1 Characteristics of a Visitorfriendly Church

First Impressions 1

Characteristics of a Visitor-friendly Church n n n The church is open to visitors The church serves visitors in any way it can The church makes visitors feel as though they belong 2

The Welcoming Team n Greeters • Provide the first contact with guests and work to make a positive first impression n Ushers • Work closely with Greeters to help people find their way around the church building 3

Greeters n n Greet everyone—guests and members alike Give guests printed information; i. e. , bulletin and visitors’ packet Engage in conversation Transition guests to Ushers 4

Greeter Positions n Each main door or entrance • Ask the question: “Where do people enter our church building? • “Where do guests enter? ” 5

Ushers n n Each Greeter team (at each entrance) will have one person designated as the Usher’s responsibilities: • Before class time, help people find classes • Before worship, assist Greeters 6

Ushers (cont) n Primary role is to help people find classes • Children—Help parents find classes for their children and help them meet the teacher and feel comfortable leaving their kids • Adults—Help adults find a Sabbath School class and help them begin to make friends • Before worship, assist Greeters 7

Dress Appropriately n n n Greeters give guests their first impression of the congregation Dress appropriately—not over dress or under dress The appearance should not distract from the message 8

Pointers on Welcoming Visitors n Anticipate the moment guests approach and greet them warmly and immediately • Greeters must take the lead • Greeters must reach out to guests 9

Pointers on Welcoming Visitors (cont) n Do not wait for guests to approach you • Guests are likely to be hesitant • Do not rush them, but do not wait for them to make the first move 10

Pointers on Welcoming Visitors (cont) n n n Let guests know how glad you are to see them If you already know a guest, greet them warmly and engage in conversation If you are unsure if a person is a first -time guest, frequent guest, or even an inactive member, introduce yourself 11

Key Question n Hello, may name is _____. We’re so glad you’re here today. I don’t recall meeting you. Have you been with us before? ” • Be sure to ask this key question early in the conversation • Listen carefully to the response and continue the conversation based on the response 12

If They Say, “Yes, I’ve Been Here Before. . . ” n n Don’t apologize for not recalling their name “I am (give your name) and please tell me your name. ” • Listen carefully Engage in conversation Introduce the Usher 13

If They Say, “No. . . ” n n “I am (give your name), and what’s your name? ” • Listen carefully “I’d like for you to have some information about our church family” 14

If They Say, “No. . . ” (cont) n n Give them a church bulletin and visitors’ packet Point out information you want to highlight Ask if they have questions Introduce the Usher • Explain that the Usher will help them find the appropriate Sabbath School class 15

Develop Skill of Remembering Names n It is important to be able to call people by name • It shows you care • It makes the whole congregation seem friendly • Later after Sabbath School or worship, calling a person by name shows you have taken the effort to learn their name 16

Develop Skill of Remembering Names (cont) n n As you are welcoming the guest, say their name three times during the conversation After the guest goes to lesson study or worship service, write down their name • Writing down helps you visualize it • If you happen to forget the name, you will have a record 17

Welcome Everyone n A friendly church welcomes everyone • Guests n Use the key question mentioned previously • Members Do not worry if they have been long-time members n If you know them, you can greet them n If you don’t know them, this is a chance to meet them n 18

Importance of a Handshake n Your handshake is one of the subtle keys to appearing warm and friendly. Few people think about their handshake • Firm grip, thumb to thumb • Look people right in the eyes • Shake three times, then release 19

Be Space Conscious n Personal space is very important to making a positive first impression • The goal is to make the guests feel as comfortable as possible in every way • People are most comfortable when you are two-and-a-half to three feet away 20

Be Enthusiastic! n Enthusiasm is the most important responsibility for everyone involved in the Greeters Ministry • You want guests to be enthusiastic about their time with the congregation • If guests see unenthusiastic people, they will not be enthusiastic 21

Be Enthusiastic! (cont) n People want to be a part of an exciting and enjoyable group • Enthusiasm is contagious • If everyone a guest meets is excited about being in Sabbath School and worship, the guests will tend to become excited about it also 22

Responsibilities of Everyone n n The responsibility of making guests feel comfortable in the church fellowship is everyone’s business A person who has friends must himself be friendly (Proverbs 18: 24) # 23