- All the good parking spots close to the building are taken. Maybe there isn't room for me here this morning.
- I'd like to sit in the back of the sanctuary preferably on an aisle, but all the seats there are taken -- please, please, please don't make me sit up front.
- I made it in the front door, now what do I do and where do I go?
- This church seems genuinely friendly. Will anyone remember my name if I come back next week?
- What the heck is a "doxology?"
- Where do I take my children?
- What do I do if I don't have anything to drop in the offering plate or don't want to drop anything in the offering plate?
- There is a lot of laughter, fun, and playfulness during worship. I like the relaxed atmosphere.
- Is there a place where I can sit in my wheelchair without having to sit out in the middle of an aisle?
- The music here is great!
If "this is the only Sunday that counts" then we will learn every guest's name and contact them once within 36 hours of their first worship.
We will make sure that there are good parking spots reserved for first-time worshippers.
Everyone will be invited to coffee and refreshment time before worship, and no one will sit, stand or wander about alone.
Every guest will be invited back for worship and invited to join a Sunday school class or study group.
We will have good signs and warm, helpful greeters at each door.
These are just a few of my ideas, now let's hear yours!
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2 comments:
Pastor Josh,
I would agree with your assessment.
I thought of the lady with two small children several weeks ago. She needed help.
Contacting vistors within 1-2 days after their visit via phone & the mail would definitely make a difference.
Maybe several visitor parking spaces/signs would be helpful??
I remember when we had been in the PdT area foronly a year. Jackie and I began a search for a church home as we were looking for the spiritual aspects we had been missing before retiring. We new of the Galmey Church which was strugling at the time and my Mom was a member there so we dismissed that church and Visited the Lutheran church which we felt was to small and seemed to be a clique and besides had beliefs which we didn't subscribe to. Our third choice was the upstart UMC which was meeting in the fellowship hall. Our first Sunday we new this was where we thought we should be. We felt a friendlyness and at ease, we were welcomed,we were huged and made to feel at home.
We atteneded again and the third time we met in the new sactuary. our first greeting then by one of the Henderson girls. Anyway we were very pleased with our expierence and expressed a desire to learn more about the UMC. The Pastor invited us to a oreantation before church for 5 Sundays with others involved. Needless to say we found our home.
The past 8 years I would expect that no one would would expierence what we did. I pray that the leadership we are experening today and the direction being taken that others will feel at home when they first visit our church.
In Christ,
BL
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