Visiting Church

Visiting the local churches for worship while on my sabbatical leave has been an experience in which I have learned a great deal.  It has been good for me to remember what it can be like to attend a church as a first time visitor.   Even though I am an extrovert, it takes a certain amount of energy to walk into these new places of worship.  I usually take a seat toward the back so I can take it all in.   I found myself on occasion feeling like I’m at a junior high dance taking my awkward “standing against the wall” position.  You know the position, where you hope to get noticed but are to shy to take the initiative. Sitting alone amidst the happy chatter reminded me of the odd ache of feeling alone in a crowd.  Many in the churches are good at saying hello but the conversation goes no further.  I would leave with a sense that they did not take the time to really get to know me or why I was visiting. 

 I like the experience church consultants Martin and MacIntosh had when they visited a church.  They write,  “Recently we visited a large church. As we stepped up to enter the front door, a lady greeted us by saying “Hi, Is this your first visit with us?” After we replied in a positive manner, she introduced herself, asked our name and walked us to a welcome center. At the center she introduced us by name to the person at the desk who immediately offered help and gave us directions to important areas of the church such as rest rooms and the auditorium. As we were about to end our conversation an usher walked up and she introduced us to him. He then led us to our seats in the auditorium. In just a few short minutes we had been introduced to several friendly people, our names mentioned three times, and were given all the initial information we needed. With such a well-planned strategy, there is no wonder that this church is growing.”  

The following are some suggestions given by J. David Eschelman on ways the church can be more welcoming to visitors.  

1.     Every member is a host. Making visitors feel welcome is primarily the responsibility of members.

2.     The most important person for a visitor to talk to in order to feel at home in a new church is you. It is not the pastor, or the greeter, but a regular attender.   One of the most impressive gestures we can extend to first time visitors is for people with no official position to take the initiative and welcome them.

3.     Treat first time visitors as guests of God, not strangers.

4.     Smile at everyone and offer your hand.

5.     Look people in the eye.

6.     Take the initiative, don’t wait for visitors to initiate conversation.

7.     Learn people’s names and remember them, use their name as you introduce them to others.

8.     Ask questions and learn about your guests. It is better to express interest in them than it is to try to “sell” your church.

9.     Listening is a very effective way to show interest.

10.  Greet children at their level.

11.  Let children be children.

12.  Invite visitors to join you at something, anything!

13.  New people should never have to sit alone. Take initiative, go to them and ask if you can sit with them.

14.  Tell people you’re glad they are here.

15.  Pray for them throughout your week.

When I return from my leave I look forward to evaluating the ways we at CPC welcome first time visitors and offer hospitality to all who come through our church doors.  I have found having a warm, welcoming environment is critical to having a positive worship experience.