I have been working with several churches on the same subject and it has caused me to do some evaluating of guest services when it comes to the church. Why do some churches have a high return of guests that eventually make the church their home church? Why do other churches struggle to get one return visit? Here are some thoughts:
1) The smell test - my "one time" associate and "still" best friend and I would joke about the smell test but it's true. Sometimes churches smell like an old musty building that has sat empty for years and someone opened the door for the first time an hour before worship. An easy fix: light 'warm vanilla' candles. Keep the scent vanilla because many people are allergic to flowery smells. Remember, if you are in the church every Sunday you won't smell it so ask a friend to be honest with you. Buy a neighbor a cup of coffee if they will stop by the church and smell it with you. Best idea, bake cookies on Sunday Morning in the church!
2) Don't ask - don't tell. Have a serious plan to get guest information. I suggest having them drop by the guest information center and receive a gift (and one for the children) when they give you their information. Have information that a newcomer would desire - a coffee cup is nice but it doesn't tell you anything about the church. If you don't ask for information they will not tell you! Have a serious plan and do it every Sunday.
3) Inside Information. This will make someone unhappy. There are words and phrases spoken on a Sunday Morning that I have know idea what people are saying. Think about what you are saying. Prayer Request (that can go on and on) about people that newcomers don't know is a zoning out time. It is reminding them that they are guests and it will be overwhelming to ever break through the "family feel" of this church. Phrases like "You know how it is around here" "regular time" "monthly offering" "narthex". They don't know your favorite songs, favorite traditions, or that good ole Church of God people have to eat when they get together. By the way, do you know Baptist, Lutherans, and Assembly of God folk say the same thing? Be aware of inside information and phrases that newcomers are clueless about.
4) The closing of the service. Have a Benediction or a sending off phrase. Wrap up the worship experience with a kind word. "thanks for coming and have a great week" is better than walking off the stage or having the band play a closing song and then people just start moving out. I used to close every service with the same Benediction. I would ask the congregation to stand and then I would say, "Go forth into the streets of this world. Go with the memory of this hour when you have refreshed your souls in the presence of God and with His people. God with the intention to be faithful to Jesus. Carry His love and extend it to everyone you meet. Go with courage - with a resolve not to sin and Go with the exciting reminder that at any moment, Jesus may came again! In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Walk with God!" Over the course of time, people would say it with me, the teenagers could recite it, even the children would smile. Recently I spoke at this same church and they said, "do your ending".
5) Culture of generosity. I didn't realize this while I was pastoring but I sure notice it now. A church that is generous touches me deeply. A stingy spirit when things are all about them sticks out to a newcomer worse than a smelly building. A congregation that is demonstrating love to a mission, the poor, helping the youth go to a convention, blessing a college student with an offering, celebrating an accomplishment of a teacher, whatever... it is deeply moving to a guest.
6) Where's Waldo? Pastor Waldo that is. I think a pastor should say something like this: "If you are a guest this morning I would really like to meet you so I am going to be (in the front, at the guest services table, under the clock in the lobby) and I would love to have a chance to thank you for being with us today and get to connect with you." I don't understand why it's so hard to find pastors after the service. Also, if you are standing and talking to all the regulars - guest will not wait in line. Greet the regulars before the service or earlier in the day and save the after service for newcomers. Tell your congregation the plan and they will get onboard as well. I am thinking of John Maxwell's Law of the Picture. People do what people see!
I'm sure you have some ideas. What are they? I would love to hear from some that have been a guest at a church and what drew you in or away?
