While the book's size makes one think it is a quick read,
this book had lots of ideas, 101 of them. I found about a dozen that really
grabbed my attention, however they can all be summed up in one simple phrase,
helping guests along their journey to relationship. Although the relationship
they develop with Jesus Christ is the one most important, the author makes it
clear that unless they build relationships with those inside the community, the
chances of them staying long term is slim to nil.
One of the author's early recommendations deals with
intentionality. There are some smaller churches that are able to make guests
feel welcome without any organization, but their success comes from being
intentional. In fact several of his suggestions seem to piggy back on this
theme and he admits it takes practice. One example he gave was two greeters who
were so deep in their conversation on a particular subject, guests walked
through the door unnoticed. As they wandered into the gathering space, people
looked up, saw they looked like they were lost, but returned to their own
conversations. Feeling unwelcome, they turned and walked out without anyone
interacting with them.
Being intentional means that when someone you don't know
walks in, whether you are the person scheduled as greeter or not, stop what you
are doing and ask them if you can help. Important note from the author, don't
do so like a policeman guarding the gate, but do so with a sincere desire to be
of service. He goes on to say, that when we are intentional about welcoming
guests into our church home, our guests are our priority. Another aspect of
being intentional is to have teams designated as greeters, and not just at the
front door, but wherever people congregate, and that such teams need to be
visible. He warns us not to overwhelm the guest (making them feel like they
have to run a gauntlet to get to worship) but to be ready to assist. One church
I visited had greeters all wearing the same color T-Shirt over their regular
clothes.
The author says that everyone who walks through the doors
for the first time have a degree of apprehension. Greeters should help to
alleviate this tension, not add to it. Greeters therefore need to know the
basic, not just wear the bathrooms are, or where child care is located, but the
people around them. For instance, if someone walks through the door interested
in a particular hobby, and the greeter is astute enough to pick up on it while
visiting with them, the greeter should know who to hand them off to that has
similar interests or passions. Here the author brings up another great point,
when visiting with our guests, we are to talk with them, not to them. Listening
is an important part of the journey and how can one show them the next step if
they are not sure which direction the person is heading.
Other suggestions centered around cleanliness of the
facilities. An unkept gathering space, a dirty bathroom, poor signage are all
indications that a community is unaware of the needs of their guest. Here the
theme of intentionality bleeds through. If something is spilled, wipe it up, if
paper towel are on the floor in the bathroom, pick it up, missing a spare roll
of toilet paper, find one. The church is a place that should be treated the
same as the living room of your home. Taking care to ensure these and other
such distractions are minimized show guests you care not only about the church
itself, but those who come to it seeking relationships.
Finally, two areas he discussed that are worth highlighting
are to expect new people - really; and practice smiling. If a community
prepares for the guest's arrival the guest will take notice, they will feel
welcome and not like intruders, and it is easier for them to make connections.
A smile the author says tells the guest everything about the community. A fake
smile is noticeable immediately, but one that is genuine has such an impact on
a first time guest, that even if they feel uncomfortable with other aspects of
the worship or building, they will be more likely to give that community a
second chance to make a better impression.
Book 2 will be posted tomorrow
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