First Impressions

First Impressions

Characteristics of a Visitor-friendly Church • The church is open to visitors • The church serves visitors in any way it can • The church makes visitors feel as though they belong

The Welcoming Team • Greeters • Provide the first contact with guests and work to make a positive first impression • Ushers • Work closely with Greeters to help people find their way around the church building

Greeters • Greet everyone—guests and members alike • Give guests printed information; i.e., bulletin and visitors’ packet • Engage in conversation • Transition guests to Ushers

Greeter Positions • Each main door or entrance • Ask the question: “Where do people enter our church building? • “Where do guests enter?”

Ushers • Each Greeter team (at each entrance) will have one person designated as the Usher • Usher’s responsibilities: • Before class time, help people find classes • Before worship, assist Greeters

Ushers (cont) • Primary role is to help people find classes • Children—Help parents find classes for their children and help them meet the teacher and feel comfortable leaving their kids • Adults—Help adults find a Sabbath School class and help them begin to make friends • Before worship, assist Greeters

Dress Appropriately • Greeters give guests their first impression of the congregation • Dress appropriately—not over dress or under dress • The appearance should not distract from the message

Pointers on Welcoming Visitors • Anticipate the moment guests approach and greet them warmly and immediately • Greeters must take the lead • Greeters must reach out to guests

Pointers on Welcoming Visitors (cont) • Do not wait for guests to approach you • Guests are likely to be hesitant • Do not rush them, but do not wait for them to make the first move

Pointers on Welcoming Visitors (cont) • Let guests know how glad you are to see them • If you already know a guest, greet them warmly and engage in conversation • If you are unsure if a person is a first-time guest, frequent guest, or even an inactive member, introduce yourself

Key Question • Hello, may name is _________. We’re so glad you’re here today. I don’t recall meeting you. Have you been with us before?” • Be sure to ask this key question early in the conversation • Listen carefully to the response and continue the conversation based on the response

If They Say, “Yes, I’ve Been Here Before . . .” • Don’t apologize for not recalling their name • “I am (give your name) and please tell me your name.” • Listen carefully • Engage in conversation • Introduce the Usher

If They Say, “No . . .” • “I am (give your name), and what’s your name?” • Listen carefully • “I’d like for you to have some information about our church family”

If They Say, “No . . .” (cont) • Give them a church bulletin and visitors’ packet • Point out information you want to highlight • Ask if they have questions • Introduce the Usher • Explain that the Usher will help them find the appropriate Sabbath School class

Develop Skill of Remembering Names • It is important to be able to call people by name • It shows you care • It makes the whole congregation seem friendly • Later after Sabbath School or worship, calling a person by name shows you have taken the effort to learn their name

Develop Skill of Remembering Names (cont) • As you are welcoming the guest, say their name three times during the conversation • After the guest goes to lesson study or worship service, write down their name • Writing down helps you visualize it • If you happen to forget the name, you will have a record

Welcome Everyone • A friendly church welcomes everyone • Guests • Use the key question mentioned previously • Members • Do not worry if they have been long-time members • If you know them, you can greet them • If you don’t know them, this is a chance to meet them

Importance of a Handshake • Your handshake is one of the subtle keys to appearing warm and friendly. Few people think about their handshake • Firm grip, thumb to thumb • Look people right in the eyes • Shake three times, then release

Be Space Conscious • Personal space is very important to making a positive first impression • The goal is to make the guests feel as comfortable as possible in every way • People are most comfortable when you are two-and-a-half to three feet away

Be Enthusiastic! • Enthusiasm is the most important responsibility for everyone involved in the Greeters Ministry • You want guests to be enthusiastic about their time with the congregation • If guests see unenthusiastic people, they will not be enthusiastic

Be Enthusiastic! (cont) • People want to be a part of an exciting and enjoyable group • Enthusiasm is contagious • If everyone a guest meets is excited about being in Sabbath School and worship, the guests will tend to become excited about it also

Responsibilities of Everyone • The responsibility of making guests feel comfortable in the church fellowship is everyone’s business • A person who has friends must himself be friendly(Proverbs 18:24) #

First Impressions