We want the congregation to invite people. We pray for new people to show up. We trust that God will give us opportunities to minister to folks who may show up this Sunday.
There are plenty of barriers keeping people away. Let’s not succumb to the following barriers that are easy-to-fix:
- SINGLING OUT GUESTS – Avoid making guests raise their hands, stand, etc.
- ASSUMPTIONS: Avoid saying things like, “Let’s start where we left off last week” or quickly referring to a Bible story that we think everyone knows.
- DIRECTION – Avoid leaving guests feeling in the dark with little or no signage.
- INSIDE JOKES – Guests are reminded they aren’t included when they hear inside jokes and responses of people in the know.
- SCOLDING – Avoid challenging your church on things that guests may not need to hear, for example: not inviting enough people, or not volunteering for specific ministries that need help.
- POOR PRESENTATION – In a high-expectation world, the presentation during worship needs to be as solid as possible so that guests can focus without distraction. Solid preparation and planning are needed each and every week.
These ideas came from a book called Church Marketing 101 by Richard L. Reising. Though the book is older, the principles are still great.
Share this list with those who help plan worship or welcome people to worship.
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