How to Create a Welcoming Environment Before Guests Arrive
Intro
Walking into a church for the first time can feel intimidating.
You don’t know what to expect, who you’ll talk to, or if you’ll leave feeling welcomed and excited or exhausted and defeated. That’s why it’s incredibly important to have a plan in place before visitors arrive.
So, how can your church effectively create a welcoming environment for every guest?
Well, a welcoming environment doesn’t happen overnight. It takes intentional effort and a plan. So, utilize these 4 tips for creating a welcoming environment and make sure your church succeeds at welcoming guests in a real and authentic way.
1. Invest in Your Digital Presence
Does your church have a user-friendly website that reflects your values and culture?
If not, you’re missing a key opportunity to greet your guests before they walk in the door.
Your social media and website are typically a guest’s first impression. So, it’s important to provide clear information about service times, locations, what to expect, core beliefs, and more.
Use your digital presence intentionally and set the tone for what guests should expect.
2. Design Your Environment for Hospitality
Does the inside of your church feel welcoming? Is it reflective of your church’s values and mission?
Simple things like comfortable seating, clean facilities, good lighting, well-maintained restrooms, and clear signage can help guests feel more at home.
If you don’t have a welcome center, consider placing one in a central location. Your welcome center can answer questions and give people more information on how they can get involved.
Your welcome center can offer:
- A map of the church.
- Brochures about church ministries.
- A small gift, like a pen, mug, or a free coffee at your church’s cafe.
- Ways to get involved, serve, and attend a small group, etc.
The details you think about ahead of time can later to help guests feel welcome, seen, and invited in.
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The new guest experience begins long before they step inside your facility and continues through when they pull out of the parking lot.
Designing this entire experience takes intentionality and forethought.
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3. Train Your Volunteers
Are your volunteers equipped to welcome guests in an authentic way?
Regular training can help you maintain a high standard of hospitality. Your best volunteers will naturally be warm, friendly, and inviting people.
Simply greeting new guests with a smile, handshake, or a “hello,” helps them feel welcomed.
Visitors who don’t return typically don’t feel welcomed because no one introduced themselves or connected with them.
Equipping your volunteers on a consistent basis is a great strategy for helping visitors feel loved and seen.
4. Encourage a Welcoming Culture
Do your church members naturally engage with new visitors?
When a church community is well-established, it’s easy for members to want to talk with their friends and forget to talk to new visitors.
But, for your church to grow and for guests to feel welcome, church members need to actively look for new people to engage with.
Encourage your church members to display God’s kindness and invite new guests to coffee, lunch, or a church event.
One personal invitation can help someone feel included and valued.
Conclusion
Creating a welcoming environment before guests arrive takes intentionality and effort.
But, when visitors are welcomed into your church, they get the opportunity to find community and feel the love of God.
You have what it takes to consistently create a welcoming environment for visitors.
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