3. People dislike when others ignore them.
Ever been alone at a party or event and you didn’t know anyone? Everyone else is engaging in conversation. It becomes very awkward as you struggle to connect with someone. First-time guests at church feel that same awkwardness when they walk in and no one greets or acknowledges them.
Solution
- Have greeters at every church door. Pick the right people for this role. They should be friendly and have the ability to make people feel welcome and comfortable.
- Don’t just greet people at the door. Have hosts that will engage guests in conversation beyond the door. Greeters should help first-time guests at church connect with other people who will make them feel at home.
4. People dislike when you single them out.
People want you to welcome them but not embarrass them. I’ve seen congregations ask first-time guests at church remain standing after a song is over. Worse yet, a pastor asks them to stand up and introduce themselves. Unless people are politicians running for office, most hate this.
Solution
- Make first-time guests at church and children’s ministry feel welcome privately. But don’t single them out or recognize them publicly.
- Be friendly but not so friendly they feel like they’re being confronted by a used-car salesperson.
5. People dislike not being able to find a good parking spot.
We all get frustrated driving around a parking lot without any luck. The opposite is true when we find a great parking spot. We experience a rush of relief and happiness. The same is true for first-time guests at church who pull into your lot.
Solution
- Ask staff and key volunteers to save the best parking spots for first-time guests.
- Have reserved parking for first-time visitors at your church.
Your turn. What are some other things first-time guests at church dislike? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.
