Eight Simple Things Your Church Visitor is Looking For
A visitor has found their way to your church. Whether they received a personal invitation, or they just found you on the internet, your church can and will have a lasting effect on their life; whether it be good or bad. The hardest part was just getting them to come. Well, they're here. Now what? Our churches plead for people to come visit their church, but what really happens when someone new steps into their door? Does their visitor feel welcomed or confused? Judged, condemned, or ignored? It can be as simple as compassion and good hospitality that will make them want to return. Just because you're not an usher or a greeter doesn't mean you can't help visitors feel welcomed. First impressions are most definitely lasting ones.
•They came to see what you do. They didn't come to be your spectacle in your social gathering. Don't stare at them. Give them a warm handshake and a sincere smile.
•They want to meet you, but they are the visitor. Don't make them go out of their way to introduce themselves. You go out of your way and introduce yourself.
•They're looking to be filled with something worthwhile. They need to hear the truth of the Word of God being taught, not hear your thought of the week. They're not there to hear another good concert, or to eat your chocolate donuts. They are looking for something more.
Hebrews 4:12 "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."
•They're looking for someone to tell them what's going on.
-Don't wait for them to ask where they need to go.
-Don't just point out where to go, walk with them to show them. (nursery, Sunday schools, auditorium)
•They want to see what you have to offer. They don't want to be forced to do anything. Do not push them to leave their children if they don't want to. Offer the nursery, and Sunday School classes but never make them feel like they have to leave their children with you. You are, after all, a complete stranger. Let them see where the children would be, what programs they'll have for them and then leave it to them to make the decision on whether to leave them or not. If they don't feel comfortable, they can always wait and come back later to the class for them.
1 Corinthians 13:1 "Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal."
•They are looking for a joyful church.
Philippians 4:4 says, "Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice."
Be a church that has a joyful countenance. Don't talk down about any other church member or program in the church. Don't say, "Well we used to do this, or this used to be better." Make the best of what you have now. It's not encouraging to come to a depressed church who acts like they're going backwards instead of progressing.
•They want to see that you care. Taking care of facilities and amenities is a way of showing that you care about people. So do you care for the church building itself. Is the church decor pilling up with dust? Is your wall paper over 50 yrs old? Are your carpets vacuumed? These things may be overlooked by the church members, but not by its' visitors.
Ecclesiastes 9:10a Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might;
•They want to feel welcomed. Don't leave them hanging. If they're alone, invite them to sit with you, or to come to your Sunday school class. There's nothing worse than feeling ignored when you're the new guy. Make them feel wanted.
Jude 1:22 And of some have compassion, making a difference:
I hope this article will help churches be more attuned to what their visitors might be feeling and that they will have open and compassionate hearts toward those that walk through their doors.