FROM FIRST TIME TO SECOND TIME GUESTS – PART 1

Author: RICK RUST

It is important that we create positive first impressions.

Matthew 5:16, Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. 

I Peter 2:9, But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.

To “shew forth” is obviously a visible thing and has to do with the impression we leave on others. It is our responsibility to let the world see Christ. Our works ought to lead others to glorify Christ. Our light that we shine forth ought to impress people to have a heart to glorify God.

We must understand that many of the first-time guests we receive are lost, and how we treat them could make a difference in whether they ever get saved.

Matthew 10:16, Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves

We need God’s wisdom as we try to reach a lost world for Christ. 
 

Pre-Service Responsibilities

The second a person pulls onto our church property this process begins. What they see, what they experience starts to impress upon them. Is it easy to pull in? What do things look like? How are they treated?

As we all know, it is hard to shake the first impression. That is why it is essential to maintain things like the lawn, flowers beds, church sign and exterior of your building.

Do you allow a bad spirit, lack of planning to hinder your potential for church growth?

Absolutely everything speaks to a first-time guest.

Most people decide to either come back or not within the first ten minutes of their visit. Even before your first hymn or the beginning of your message.

First impressions take place in four areas.

1.   Do people feel welcomed?

•  Great people with a “Glad you are here.” People enjoy feeling welcome when they arrive.
• Greeting involves such ministries as Parking Lot Greeters, Door Greeters, and Ushers.
• Use of signs and banners can be used to help people feel received.
• Sunday School teachers and nursery workers being on time and in place when your guests arrive.

 2.   Do people know where they are going?

• When someone pulls onto your property, is it clear where they are to go? If you are unable to have Parking Lot Greeters, then proper signage will work.
• When they come inside, do you have people in place to show people to where they need to go? Again, wall signs are excellent. Many times people don’t want to ask a stranger where something is especially the ladies room.
• Restrooms and children’s ministry areas need to be clearly marked.

 3.   Do people feel you care?

•  Do you look at a guest as a number or a potential giver? Maybe they can start a new ministry?
• We need to value them as a soul that will spend somewhere in eternity.
• Do any gifts, we give, out demonstrate that we value our guests?
• Make sure restrooms, and children’ ministry areas are clean. Be friendly.

4.   Do people comfortably find a seat?

•  Guest are not comfortable with asking strangers if they can come into the pew.
• This is where it is important to have good ushers. Have your ushers ask members to move to the center.
• Make sure you leave good seats for guest, not making them sit in the front.