The number one factor in a person staying in a church is relationships. Research has demonstrated that everyone says their church is a friendly church. However, if you are as I, you've visited a few churches that weren't. If you've been in a church for a while you will naturally think you have a friendly church because you have friends in the church. But what about those who come to Lifeway for the first time? Do they think we are a friendly church - do we treat people in such a way that they stick? I want to share a few suggestions that will help you make Lifeway a more friendly church, but before I do let me share four compelling reasons for you to make this a priority:
1. Guests will decide in the first seven minutes of arriving if we are worth a second visit. In other words whether a person spends eternity in heaven with God or hell may very well rest on how welcoming and friendly you are.
2. MOP's - M.O.P. stands for a Moment Of Truth. A moment of truth, according to Gary L. McIntosh, in his book, Beyond the First Visit, "is when anyone comes in contact with you and forms an opinion of your church".
3. The sermon is not the message. The sermon may be the Sunday morning talk, but the message people leave with is the whole Sunday morning experience. We say at Lifeway that the message begins in the parking lot. In truth it begins the moment they encounter anyone who represents Lifeway, often that happens before they turn into the parking lot.
4. Of those we invite to church we get about two out of ten to come the first time, but we get 8.5 out of ten to stay who come back for a second time. How we treat people when they are here is the single most important factor in getting them to come back a second time.
What can you do to help?
1. Follow the 10 foot rule. The 10 foot rule says if you come within ten feet of someone you will smile and say hello. This is a little big thing. It's small, but it can make a big difference.
2. Follow the 5 minute rule. The five minute rule says that when a service ends you will spend the first five minutes looking for and conversing with guests. It is human nature to look for our friends and forget guests. Literally we forget, not ignore, but forget guests. The five minute rule will help you be friendly.
3. Guesterize yourself. Guesterize is not found in the dictionary, but this is what it means: Learn to be guest conscious. Think guest. Guest get our best, best attitude. Be cheerful. Best parking spots. Direct them to park in front of the building. Best seats. They like the end of an isle so save it for them. Best welcome. Say, "Hello. How long have you been coming to Lifeway?" This is much better than, "Is this your first time here?" Introduce yourself by name. Ask their name. Repeat their name a couple of times and it will stick. Best direction. Approach new people promptly. Take them to where they need to go, don't tell or point.
4. Be a greeter. We are all "greeters". Don't just greet when you are serving on the greeting team. Greet every week.
Remember, guests don't come with Velcro, being friendly is the best way to make them stick.
Helping others find and follow Christ.
Craig
PS - Please forward this to everyone you know in the church. Thanks.
