The people of Harvest Baptist Church are a friendly bunch, no doubt. Matter of fact... of the four or five churches I've attended (and the two I've pastored)... all of the churches I've spent any significant time at were filled with friendly people.
I've heard a common complaint wherever I go (and complained about it myself) that visitors get overlooked. "They are friendly, but they're all being friendly with one another... and ignoring me."
Should we feel guilty about our love for one another? No. But we shouldn't neglect our guests and visitors either.
I was searching for something called the "rule of three" this morning and turned up this article on a website. (I'll post it here in the article for your convenience, link here.)
I'm hoping you'll read this thoughtfully and make this part of your regular practice on Sunday Mornings. I love you folks... go show those visitors and guests why they are going to love you too.
First impressions are lasting ones. People make up their minds about your church within the first 10 minutes of contact. Long before the preacher preaches, people most often will have decided if they plan to return. These ideas and definitions may help your church make a life-changing impression on those who are new to your congregation.
TWO TIPS FOR THE WHOLE CONGREGATION TO DO EACH SUNDAY:
- CIRCLE OF 10: Greet anyone, member or guest, who comes within 10 feet of you. Make a special effort to greet the people you don’t already know within your Circle of 10.
SOME EXAMPLES OF PEOPLE YOU WILL ESPECIALLY WANT TO WELCOME:
- RULE OF THREE: Try not to talk to other members for the first three minutes after the service. Talk only to those you don’t know and to people that you know are guests. It takes guests about three minutes to exit the church after worship so it’s important to make sure someone has made contact with them before they leave.
Remember that welcoming is a lifestyle that extends well beyond shaking hands at the door of the sanctuary. As your church grows a more welcoming lifestyle, you will probably want to design different ministries and follow-up activities for these and other groups of people.
VISITORS
Igniting Ministry defines visitors as people who attend a worship service or event at a church but are not likely to be regularly connected to the congregation (they live out of town, have another church home, etc.). Remember, welcoming is not about growing your church; visitors deserve special attention even if you never
see them again.
GUESTS
Igniting Ministry defines guests as people who attend worship or another event, perhaps at the personal invitation of someone from the church, who may reasonably be expected to return and get involved in the congregation. Those treated as “honored guests” are likely to return.
NEWCOMERS
Igniting Ministry defines newcomers as people who are relatively new to a congregation—not yet members; no longer first-time guests; interested in connecting with the church and its members. Newcomers are trying to find a way into the life and ministries of your church, so it’s important to remove barriers and serve their needs.
6 comments:
Excellent points & helpful advice! I need to work on this.
Good thoughts! I did something similar and purposely this week after Sunday worship with very good results. It's hard to change your way of thinking ("I have to talk to member so-and-so before she leaves!"), but I think the Lord can work all that out. I'll try to make it a habit.
Welcoming guests and treating people with a friendly smile and respect is a vital part of the church, our community, our work, and our life.
I can tell you from experience that a smile or a kind word will go a long way to reach people in the rude world we live in.
I believe Jesus would have reached out to even the most sour of attitudes with a smile and an opportunity to fellowship.
If we can follow His lead we can make great differences all around us.
Hey Lori - true enough... some folks might slip through the cracks... But.. a corollary to the 3 minute rule might be the 10 rule. If you've got ministry responsibilities, or friends at church.. talk to them ten minutes after the service. And don't put a roast in the oven (does anyone do this anymore?) before you come to church.
I should get there early enough and often enough to not be mistaken for a visitor. Seriously though, Im usually trying to get to someone I need to see, or hurrying to the office. I'll try to e-mail those folks I need to reach and concentrate on the rule of 10. I have 3 minutes before I go to the office.
I've visited Harvest 4 times with my wife & kids over the past 2 months. I've been extreemly encouraged by the friendly welcome recieved each Sunday. I love the fact that some even remember our names. Thank you for taking the time to greet us each week. I can't tell you enough how encouraging it is to us. See you Sunday :)
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