We visited 3 churches in the past month. James River, attendance 8,000. Osawotomie A/G, attendance 60. North Point in Springfield, attendance 3,000.
It has been a long time since I have been a “visitor” in a church, and good to feel that again!
Visiting is awkward, anything a church can do to lower the intimidation factor is a plus.
Here are a few things I learned:
- Friendliness is King. One grumpy volunteer negates 5 positive ones.
- Information is Queen. No one likes not knowing what to do.
- As a visiting pastor, it is hard to worship and not focus on how this church operates.
- Projected lyrics are not optional.
- Dead air (no sound) in an auditorium before a service is ominous to a guest. Play a CD!
- A large crowd is not necessary for great worship.
- Video announcements look like a ton of work, but do rock!
- I am starting to get more comfortable with jeans on the platform.
- Clutter free doesn’t win any points, but clutter take points away.
- Information that is repeated each week, (please fill out your communication card), is not boring to visitors.
- Refreshments are good. Free is much better, even if simple.
- Visitor parking spots are like gold.
- Atmosphere matters.
- Driving 90 minutes one way gets old after a month!