Some Dos When Welcoming First-Timers to Church

It isn’t the first hymn that your first time-visitors have heard that will make a good impression. It’s how they have been greeted before they’ve stepped inside the Annandale Baptist Church building. Remember, first impressions matter. Having a great church greeting team helps your members be confident in bringing in new faces to church. Below are some dos of welcoming guests to your congregation:

Have Ushers and Signages to Lighten the Tension for First-Timers

To lighten up the transition for the new guests, you need to have the paths to the church clearly marked. It would also greatly help them that there are ushers and usherettes to show them around. It’s hard to get lost and look around, trying to find the right direction. You don’t have to spend a ton of money to get quality signage. You can make it yourself along with the other people in your ministry. Also, make sure to send a clear message to the visitors.

Don’t Exaggerate Your Welcome

Ushers and usherettes should be mindful of their voices. Be happy, but not too happy. Learn to make eye contact and smile. Avoid cliches in your greetings. In shaking hands, a firm, but not a powerful grip should be used. Do not squeeze a person’s hand. You don’t know some hands are sensitive to pain.

Do Give First-Timers the Set Expectations for the Church Service

A new visitor or someone unfamiliar with an Annandale Baptist Church should have a frame of reference for what’s about to happen. For example, after the opening song, the service host should come up and explain what worship is and what will follow next. This is to lessen the awkwardness that might be in the room. Remember, the more comfortable your guest will be, the greater his/her first impression is. This will open new doors for them to discover more about their faith and how they can spiritually grow through their experiences in the future.

Do Have an Excellent Children’s Ministry

Another inviting atmosphere for parents is a church having exceptional childcare. annandale baptist church As parents, you become anxious when you are separated from your kids. To relieve this dilemma, a church needs to have amazing staff and volunteers. Ones who will genuinely love their children like the Lord. Make sure the room is kid-friendly. Fill it up with bright and colorful toys and educational materials.


Give Them Personal Space
Some people don’t want to stand out. Don’t act surprised. Your guests won’t want a stand up during some praise and worship sessions or meet-and-greets. Yes, this has been a common practice as it makes them uncomfortable and awkward. You’ll be surprised in knowing that this makes them feel isolated from the rest of the congregation. Instead of simply urging them to join in on the songs, have first-timers have a different activity after, like a personal meeting with the pastor or an orientation class for all the first-timers.

Inviting others to worship the Lord shouldn't be a stressful experience. Remember, joy will follow for those who share the light and love of the Lord.

The word of God teaches us that we have an ongoing duty to greet and welcome each other. At Calvary Road Baptist Church, we create an inviting environment that is made up of services and special events, which are welcoming, organized, hospitable, and friendly.


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