How First Presbyterian Branson Welcomes a Church Visitor

Here is how First Presbyterian Church in Branson MO greets their visitors:

Because its a tourist town, they have plenty of visitors who drop in simply for the one Sunday while they are on vacation in Branson.

During the time before the service, the pastor is able to observe who is visiting. He talks with many of them, if not all, prior to the service.

During the welcome time, he calls out a list of places where the visitors are from. Kansas, South Dakota, Indiana, for example.

They are asked to raise their hands, and the church welcomes them.

For the church, this celebration of the presence of tourists is a continual reminder to greet the visitor, even if they are there just one Sunday.

It’s a pleasant atmosphere and because of the prior conversations with the pastor, there doesn’t appear to be any embarrassment in being asked to raise a hand.

The pastor does an excellent job of meeting and greeting prior to the service which makes this part of the service enjoyable.