This was originally posted at Group’s Church Volunteer Central (Source Link broken)
On a scale of 1 to 5 (1 being “This needs definite work”… 5 being “We rock at this”) rate your church’s greeting and guest services practices:
- Our traffic volunteers or shuttle drivers have been coached to know that they are the first representatives of our church and as such should be warm and friendly to everyone.
- The walk into the church is welcoming and cheerful. People know they are in the right place for a Sunday service.
- Our traffic flow is well-designed and easy which makes visitors feel comfortable, not lost.
- There are people whose only job on Sunday’s is to assist newcomers in finding their way around the church.
- Before a service even begins, our first-time guests have been acknowledged or welcomed in some way.
- We make welcoming visitors a priority at every service.
- We send our visitors home with a tangible reminder of their time with us.
- Our volunteers are trained to go above and beyond in the areas of friendliness and helpfulness.
- Our church culture reminds every member that they have a part to play in welcoming newcomers.
- Our senior leadership is empowered to make personal contact with visitors at every service.
A score of 10-19: Red Alert! You need to make guest services a priority by developing a hospitality team, creating a plan to implement new procedures, and develop a new culture of friendliness.
A score of 20-39: Code Orange! You have some aspects of Guest Services covered, but there are areas that need work. It’s tempting to say, We are doing “good enough.” But in reality, you are only about half-way to leaving a terrific first impression on guests.
A score of 40-50: Gold Ribbon! You are doing a stellar job of making visitors feel welcome. There may be one or two tweaks you can make that will take your church over the top in creating a WOW experience for your first-time visitors.
Based on your results, you may need to work a little harder on making a good first impression!
Mark Waltz’s handbook on the subject can take your church from fair to fabulous, and ensure that first-time visitors feel welcome, valued, and eager to return.
Order Mark Waltz’s book: First Impressions: Creating Wow Experiences In Your Church (affiliate link from Amazon).
Do you want some DVD based training to help you find those barriers? Click the banner below
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