Q: What Are Some Of The “Must Know” Facts About First Time Church Visitors
Q: I liked your exegetical notes on what ‘First Time Church Visitors’ look for: We are working towards a ‘Ministry of Excellence;’ can you list some of the ‘Must-Know’ Facts about first time visitors?
A: I remembered that specific teaching notes. I was saying how Pastor Rick Ezell at First Baptist Church in Greer, South Carolina, had written extensively on church growth, and that he and I have the same regards for what firt-time visitors look for in a church service. I went on to say that Healthy and growing churches pay close attention to the people they count as members, as well as those people who are not yet a part of the flock. These churches know that new people are the lifeblood of a growing church. With that in mind, pastors need to be aware of five significant facts about first-time guests looking for a church home.
1. Visitors make up their minds regarding a new church in the first ten minutes of their visit.
2. Most church members aren’t friendly.
3. Church guests are highly consumer-oriented.
4. The church is in the hospitality business.
5. You only have one chance to make a good first impression.
You may be the most skilled preacher and your church may have excellent small groups or the best children’s ministry in the city. Your first-time guests will never know unless they make a second or third visit. Will they come back? It all depends on the impression you’re making. Make it the right one the first time.