One of our readers has submitted guidelines they use in their their church.
Contributor Archie Buie notes that this list is set up particularly for their church welcome process, but you can adapt it for yours.
One way they educate their congregation is to run one of these church welcome practices in a highlighted box in the church bulletin for a ten week series.
TEN WAYS TO A WARM WELCOME
#1 Wear your name tag every Sunday.
It’s easy to get one. Just write your request on the attendance pad, or call the Administrative Office, or send an e-mail to our coordinator. Pick up your new name tag in “Our Giving Tree” bookstore and gift shop the following Sunday.
#2 GOOD MORNING!
Extend a gracious greeting to every person you pass — from the time you get out of your car in the parking lot until you get back into it. Â Smile and be as friendly as possible!
#3 Accompany
When asked, accompany visitors to the nursery, classrooms, Fellowship Center, Sanctuary, etc. Don’t just point the way or give directions. Be sure you know where the nursery is located. It’s in Room ___, Building ___.
#4 Smile.
Take the initiative and warmly greet to those around you.
#5 Vary where you sit
Try to sit in a different place in the congregation to get to know different people. God may use YOU to meet someone else’s need or vice-versa.
#6 “CIRCLE OF 10”
During the greeting time make a special effort to walk more than 10 feet from where you are sitting to greet someone you don’t know. You’ll be glad you did!
#7 Â Use the Information Center
Before or after the service, accompany a visitor to The Information Center where information about what the church offers is available. There is also a knowledgeable volunteer there who is happy to assist visitors in any possible way.
#8 “3-MINUTE RULE”
For at least 3 minutes at the close of the service, speak only to persons you don’t know. It takes a visitor about three minutes to exit the church building after worship. We need to make sure someone has spoken to them before they leave.
#9 Invite
As you meet new persons be sure to invite them to attend your Sunday School class, Phoenix, upcoming church events, and Our Giving Tree Bookstore and Gift Shop. Help them find places where they can connect with others.
#10 Visit
Invite someone you don’t know to go to lunch with you as your guest or “dutch treat.” Having lunch with someone is a great way to get acquainted.
Contributor: Archie Buie (Retired United Methodist pastor, Florida Conference)
Welcoming Ministry Chairperson,
First United Methodist Church,
Lakeland, FL
