Churches, make it easy on guests and visitors

By Brenda Cannon Henley
My husband has long had a pet peeve about churches that really seemed to want visitors not making it easy for guests to visit the services and/or take part in activities planned to reach the community. He mentioned it again this last week. As were were driving up to the lake area to look at property, we passed dozens of churches. In fact, in one small East Texas town, a police officer told us there were three banks, two restaurants, and get this, 17 churches. We saw many of them. It seemed that they had also had a “naming” contest going on, too, because the names of these different churches bordered on comical.

I served on the staff of a very large church in the state of Georgia for more than two decades, and believe me when I tell you that it was the most difficult work I’ve ever done. Our pastor had come to the church full time from working for the US government and he said that for the church to be a useful ministry, it had to be run like a good business. He often quoted, “If most businesses in our area were run like our local churches, when it comes to finances, purchases, insurance, employees, and the like, they would go under in less than a year.” And, I believe he was correct.

There is more to serving God and building a thriving ministry than meeting together to enjoy music, preaching, teaching, and fellowship. God expects us to run the business matters of the church in a timely and respectable manner. Perhaps one of the most unjustly criticized folks in the church is a good treasurer or chair of finance. They have to say, “No,” so many times when they’d like to be able to say, “Yes.” Good music and great preaching will attract people, as will good fellowship, but then, the business affairs must be in order to keep the ministry thriving.

It is not a crime to ask to the see the financial records from time to time. Most churches are built on tithes and offerings from the folks that attend the services. Make your request in a civil and kind manner. Don’t be accusatory. Simply suggest a public church conference or business meeting. Honest people will not mind, and in fact, should appreciate your wanting to keep their name in good stead in the community.

As we passed these many churches on our drive to and from the lake, we noted how many did not really appear to want visitors. There were few markings or directional signage letting a person or family know where to park or where to enter the building. Still others offered no information about classes or groups for children. Is there a competent nursery? What ages are cared for in the nursery? Is there a children’s church? What age is invited to take part? And, the biggest turnoff of all, what time do the services begin? If a family is new to the area and are genuinely looking for a new church home, it would be helpful to know to plan to arrive.

In past years, it was assumed church started at 11:00 AM on Sunday morning and the evening service followed at 6:00 or 7:00 PM. Not so any longer. Many have one service and it may begin anywhere from 9:00 or 9:30 AM all the way to noon. And, still others have several services — some contemporary, some traditional, some for one age or the other.

It would be so much help to let prospective guests know what time the services start by investing in a neat sign for a prominent place in the yard or on the street if possible. At the entrance way of the church, other directional signs should help families to get settled. If you happen to be in service on a day that the ministry is celebrating something special, is it a closed service or are guests welcome to participate. Where are the bathrooms? And, what does the church believe? No one expects a full disclosure on the first visit, but at least give some indication of the church’s basic beliefs.

And, for Heaven’s sake and to help visitors feel comfortable, urge the members to be friendly. People are often a little disorganized on the first visit, they might be running a minute or so late, and they may not know anyone in the building. Do not assume they know what you want them to do. Make certain each guest is visited warmly, offered help and instruction, and a place to sit. Some dear church members feel that because Aunt Lulu bought the family pew, it is their right to sit in it each service. I have actually attended a church where three different people asked me to move because “I was in their pew.” I was in the services because of my job, but you can rest assured I’d never go back to a church like that as a prospective member.

It is my opinion that churches should be honored to have visitors, but from the sour looks, hateful dispositions, and lack of enthusiasm of the regulars, many don’t act like it at all. Check your church out. How would you rate with a visitor next Sunday? We will continue this discussion in next week’s column.

Brenda Cannon Henley can be reached at (409) 781-8788 or at [email protected].

Contact Brenda Cannon Henley:
[contact-form-7 404 "Not Found"]

Facebook Twitter
You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.

Leave a Reply

Site by CrystalBeachLocalNews.com