We all want visiting families to feel welcome in our churches and ministries. But that’s not just going to happen all by itself – it’ll take some effort on our behalf.
Here are a few ways to make sure they are welcomed well:
1. Signage
Welcoming new families begins before they even walk through the doors. Signage, beginning in the parking lot, is critical. Many first time visitors would rather not ask where things were, so a good test of signage is whether someone could find all the kids areas without talking with anyone. Clear directions to children’s ministry should be available not only from the parking lot, but also in these areas:
- the main church lobby
- other non-children’s ministry primary areas (such as main “fellowship” areas, adult class areas, etc.)
- any passage ways leading to the children’s ministry areas
- within the children’s ministry areas
2. Smiles
Smiles go a long, long way to making families feel comfortable. The look on your face can communicate that you want them to be there – or you don’t. Smiling should be a ministry wide value that you train your team to do [tweet this]
3. Information
When I go somewhere new – whether it’s a church or somewhere else – I want to have something that I can pick up and read before I speak with someone. Most introverts would. So have easily accessible flyers or brochures available – children’s ministry entry ways, main church lobby or any other informational/ greeting type areas.
My wife, in contrast to me, would rather engage in a conversation when we arrive somewhere new. So, in addition to the written information pieces, make sure there are friendly greeters who are well informed about children’s ministry. Make sure they smile and are proactive in making themselves available to families. And, as I said, make sure they are well-informed. There’s nothing more frustrating when you are visiting a church than to talk with someone who should know simple information, but doesn’t. In most of the churches where I was children’s pastor, I needed to be proactive in training the “main church” ushers and greeters. Make sure they know where to send families and, better yet, make sure they have tools (ie. flyers, brochures and/or facility maps) that they can give to new families.
