10 Ways to Be a Welcoming Church

Note: This article is in continuation of our article 10 Things Churches Can Do Better.

To be fair, in our study of first-time church guests, we heard from a number of them who had really pleasant experiences, and decided to return. Let’s look at the top ten responses from the perspective of the happy guest. Some of them are just the opposite of the ten items listed here. I have included in this list direct quotes from the happy guests:

1. Member Invitation to Sit Together

Someone asked the guest to sit with her. “You know, as a single person, I can feel pretty lonely sitting by myself. I am so glad Joanie asked me to sit with her. We plan to get together for coffee.”

2. Members Introduced Themselves

People introduced themselves to the guests. “Several people introduced themselves to me. I did not get the impression it was either contrived or routine.”

3. Effective Signage

There was clear signage. “From the parking lot to the children’s area to the worship center, everything was clearly marked. It was easy to navigate.”

4. Easy to Locate Welcome Center

There was a clearly marked welcome center. “It made it really easy for me to ask questions and to get some information on the church.”

5. Fun and Inviting Kids Area

The kids loved the children’s area. “My kids were so happy with their experiences. We will be back for sure.”

6. Safe and Secure Children's Area

The children’s area was secure and sanitary. “That is one of the first things I check when I go to a church. This church gets an A+!”

7. Convenient Guest Parking

Guest parking was clearly visible. “From the moment we drove into the parking lot, I could find the guest parking. It was marked very well.”

8. Lack of a Forced Greeting Time

The church did not have a stand-and-greet time. “My wife and I just moved to the area and are visiting churches. If we visit one with that fake stand-and-greet time, we don’t return.

9. Caring Members

The members were not pushy. “They seemed to really care about us rather than just making us another number on the membership roll.”

10. Simple and Easy Guest Card

The guest card was simple to complete. “Some of the cards in other churches ask for too much information. This one was perfect and simple.”

Which list more accurately describes your church? Be careful and honest before you respond. About eight of ten guests had an experience that would better fit the unhappy guest category. And sadly, few church members recognized it in their own churches.

So the first step in becoming a welcoming church may be the admission that your church may not really be a welcoming church.

Are you facing reality in your church?

Excerpted with permission from Becoming a Welcoming Church by Thom S. Rainer. Copyright 2018, B&H Publishing Group.