Welcome into This Place

Many churches around the world receive new visitors. It is important that we emphasize, support, and acknowledge visitors on each visit. We should go out of our way to allow them to feel comfortable, loved, and prepared to worship the Lord. Sadly however, many churches (and members) give very little attention to visitors or seek to use them as commodities. Most visitors on their first (or second) visit experience the following:

• Offers to work immediately in a ministry.
• Compelled to give (financially) beyond what is in their heart.
• Largely ignored by over half the congregation.
• Criticized for their dress, status, or behavior (or their children’s behavior).

As disciples of Christ, we just don’t go to church, we are the church. We are God’s conduit to reflect His love on the earth – in order to bring glory to Him.

Regardless of whether or not a visitor will ever become a member of your church, they should be treated as members of your family. There should be no difference in what you would do for a member or a visitor…or a member that rarely attends. Each should experience the love of God from the heart of the people. It is the mark of love that identifies us as disciples of Christ (John 13:35) – not a church building. Anyone can build a building and place a cross on it, but not everyone chooses to love – that culminates through a life with the Lord.

When members come into your church:

1. Visitors (and all members) should be greeted/welcomed with love from the moment they drive or set foot on the church grounds. It is irresponsible to get so involved in the ‘business’ of the church that you miss the heartbeat of its people.

2. Visitors should be welcome to sit wherever they choose. Now, many churches insist on having ushers sit all members, but ALL members should be allowed to sit where THEY feel the most comfortable. If there is a lack of space, please ask members to be considerate of others (treat them as they would like to be treated).

3. Provide a welcome card that does not request a lot of detailed information (or demand they give certain information). Again, visitors should be allowed to provide what information they choose, IF they choose to give it. If they do not choose to give any information, the ushers (or anyone else) should not enforce their ‘participation.’ If the Lord wants them to return to the service, they will.

4. Ensure an opportunity is given for the congregation to greet visitors with love. Some services have a meet and greet and others do not. Whichever the case, members should ensure they speak with the visitors to allow them to feel comfortable (and offer any assistance that may be needed). All of this comes from a life of love, worship, and service before the Lord. This should not be something done out of obligation – because the visitors will know if you are genuine.

5. Follow up with the visitors during the following week(s). Those with a heart to reach the visitors further (Lord willing, the entire congregation) can follow up (hint: if the visitors chose to be contacted) to ask how they are doing and if there are any needs or prayer requests they would like to share. The caller can pray for them over the phone or if over e-mail, let them know their request will be presented before the Lord further. THEN, after you have asked about their needs, speak to them about your weekly and upcoming special services.

The point to ministering to visitors is to love them…not to keep them at your church. The Lord will send you EXACTLY who He wants during your specific season of church ministry. All you have to do is love each one that graces the church doors (and each person you come in contact with). Each visitor is special because they are special to God. Love them and welcome them into your family of God.

Photo courtesy of Flickr.com/vinothchandar. Image covered under Creative Commons License.