Holy
huddles--don't get into the habit! Train your congregation
that Sunday is not the time to transact
business!
Only
use nametags, that all look alike and everyone is wearing
them! Don't make newcomers stand out or stand up! Many
newcomers and visitors consider themselves as part of the
church family already, even though
they
are
not on the official roles.
Signs--put
them everywhere!! Do people know where to go for worship?
Nursery? Rest Rooms? Sunday School?
Paint,
repair, fix-up those musty, dark comers! Intentionally begin
FRAN (friends, relatives, associates, neighbors) Sunday once
a quarter moving to once a month.
Insist
on excellence! Plan a balanced, engaging worship service
each Sunday. This means singable hymns, easy to follow
bulletin, vitality in liturgy, coherent theme that follows
through in hymns, sermon, liturgy and prayers.
Two-minute
rule--For the first two minutes after worship, each member
is not allowed to speak to anyone they know, but introduce
themselves to those they don't know.
Appoint
"secret greeters" - These are people who enjoy meeting new
people and who are intentionally on the look out for
newcomers. They make contact, help them find their way, and
introduce them to others.
Limit
the "Sharing of the Peace." The longer the sharing goes on,
the more excluded a newcomer feels.
Interview
and listen to newcomers who come back and those who don't.
Learn from them. Try having a non-member friend visit your
church, and then listen to what they have to say about their
experience.
Train
your secretary and receptionists in evangelism and
hospitality skills--as they answer the phone and as they
greet people coming to the church itself! They are the first
impression that many receive of your church.
Yourself-relax
and enjoy yourself! Smile and have fun!
|