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August 13, 2015

Title: Scrubbing the Meet and Greet
Topic: Church Friendliness

Discussed by Dr. Thom Rainer
with Dr. Thom Rainer www.ThomRainer.com

What can your church do to make a difference in someone’s life every week? Are you doing everything possible? We hate the dreaded six-letter word: Change. But maybe that’s just what your church needs.

Dr. Thom Rainer is a writer, researcher, speaker, and current President and CEO of LifeWay Christian Resources.   He has a great new editorial that every church pastor, leader, and member should read: Seven Steps Churches are Taking to Replace the Standard Meet-and-Greet Time.

Make sure you share this link on Facebook and Twitter. Even email the link to your pastor.

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June 26, 2015

Title: Six Simple Things First-Time Guests Like
Topic: Church Friendliness

Discussed by Terry Lowry
with Host of the What's UP Radio Program

What do first-time guests like at Church? First, be friendly – but not the fake kind of friendliness. Second, don’t put first-time guests in the spotlight. In other words, do not ask them to remain in their seats as everyone rushes towards them. And never, ever, ever, NEVER ask them to stand before everyone to introduce themselves. Never do that. Ever.

Also provide clear directions on the church website – what, when, where, and how to get there. And don’t make them hunt for it. Put it on the home page. And please be empathetic to single parents; don’t make them feel guilty for their singleness. Being nosy is also a no-no; keep it simple and don’t ask too many questions. This isn’t a job interview.

Are your greeters joyful? Or are they grumpy-looking old men and women who can’t wait for the service to start so they can go sit on the back row? Be happy! Happy people attract happy people who bring more happy people! Which brings us to another point: Don’t be rude and tell someone they are in your seat. Really? Your name is on the chair or pew? Did you literally pay for that seat? Nope, I didn’t think so. Go sit somewhere else.

This first appeared at Thom Rainer Ministries.

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January 17, 2013

Title: The 5-Spot Freshness Test
Topic: Church Friendliness

Discussed by Diana Davis
with DianaDavis.org

Part 1 of 4

Diana Davis is a pastor’s wife and she’s heard her fair share of compliments - and complaints - about church cleanliness, accessibility, how loud - or soft - the music is, etc…So, Diana devised a 5-Spot Freshness Test for church leaders and members to use to evaluate their church.

In this first segment, Diana discusses “the parking lot”…

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Title: Part 2 of 4
Topic: Church Friendliness

Discussed by Diana Davis
with DianaDavis.org

The second area church leaders and members should check at their church is the main entrance. Diane Davis says to step just inside the main entrance of your church and take a look around.

What do you see? Is it clean?

Is the displayed art up to date and paint fresh? Or is the carpet dull and paint peeling off the walls?

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Title: Part 3 of 4
Topic: Church Friendliness

Discussed by Diana Davis
with DianaDavis.org

Diane suggests that you go outside your comfort zone and sit near the left rear of the church worship area (unless, of course, you’re a back row Baptist…haha). Can you see well enough without needing to adjust positions? Is the room inviting and reflective of the current season? Have the pews been well-maintained?

PARENTS: this one is for you…Ask permission to take a tour of the nursery and pre-school areas. Take note of the directional signs - are they easy to follow? What if you had a baby and toddler tagging along? Are they still easy to follow? Is it clean? Does it appear safe and secure?

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Title: Part 4 of 4
Topic: Church Friendliness

Discussed by Diana Davis
with DianaDavis.org

Finally, and probably most importantly, is the bathroom clean?

And not only clean, but up-to-date, as well? Does it smell nice? Are the counters clean? Are the restrooms easy to find?

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