2. Tentative Impressions.
First impressions are everything.
When people drive into your parking lot, meet a greeter or experience an usher, the whole thing may be over already. Not to mention what may or may not have happened in the nursery.
First impressions should not be allowed to falter, be uncertain or be timid because of lack of training or passion for mission. Your first impressions need to be sharp, energetic and cause people to feel like they made a good decision to get out of bed and come to your church that morning.
3. Insincere Connections.
Good first impressions are vital, but they must move quickly from a warm smile and a cheerful welcome to genuine messages about how to connect with new friends.
I’m not suggesting that you should be overly aggressive. People need time to find their way. Sometimes the next step is just offering a cup of coffee.
But your leaders need to have their hearts ready to receive new people just as much as you need structures like a newcomers class or small groups for the people to make genuine relational connections.
How would you evaluate your church in these three areas?
Where do you need to improve?
