7 Things Visitors Want at Your Church

By: Greg Stier (edited)

As a “traveling evangelist,” I’ve had the privilege of preaching in churches from coast to coast. And until I have the microphone on over my ear, most people have no clue that I’ll be the preacher that day, so most treat me like a first-time visitor. As a result, I did notice some things about how first-time visitors must feel when they walk into a brand new church.

Speaking as a visitor, here are some suggestions I would give when it comes to creating a context that is just the right amount of welcoming.

1. Equip your parking lot team to wave us in with a smile.

The last church we visited was a true blessing. The silver-haired parking attendant in the orange vest waved our car in, pointed to the space where we should park, and chatted it up with me and my family when we got out of the car. From square one we felt welcome.

2. Have people greet us at the door and offer to answer our questions.

It takes more than just smiling faces and handshakes. Walking into a new church with kids hanging on both arms can feel overwhelming.  A question like, “May I help you find your way, will go a long way to make a family feel welcomed."

3. Put up dummy-proof signs that are easy to read and understand.

Visiting a church creates a certain amount of anxiety.  Good signs, both inside and outside the church, help alleviate that a bit.  These signs should be big, clear and designed for first time visitors.

4. Don’t point us out in the service.

Speaking of angst,  we don’t want to be pointed out or wear a special colored name tag. We just want to check your church out and talk to friendly people who make us feel welcome.

5. Have a check-in system for kids that is hastle-free and quick.

If it’s your first time at a church and you show up early, but if it takes 10 minutes to check in your kids, you will miss the opening of the service. All this can make visitors feel uneasy.

6. Beware of weird Christian things.

Beware of weird Christian things. Make sure that we’re not doing things in our services to perpetuate stereotypes that make Christians look needlessly spookie.

7. Call us after, ask about our experience at the church and invite us back.

A simple phone call would go a long way in making me think about coming back a second time.