Does your church shout "welcome"? Or "go away"?
Each September, Igniting Ministry encourages congregations to celebrate “United Methodist Open House Month.” This special time coordinates with the fall series of national United Methodist television messages airing in September.
Open House Month is an opportunity to emulate Jesus’ welcoming spirit with emphasis on inviting and welcoming newcomers. However, churches may exude a kind of “body language” that may either reinforce or contradict their verbal messages. Churches that proclaim “All are welcome,” but ignore or neglect visitors are giving a false impression. Think about the following questions in regards to your worship facility:
- Is the building in good repair and clean?
- Is the grass neatly trimmed and the lawn clean?
- Is the sign in a prominent location, visible to people driving in both directions?
- Are the letters on the signs large enough to read from a moving vehicle? Is the sign lit at night?
- Is the information on the sign current?
- Is the parking area clearly marked and free from potholes and debris?
- Does your church provide special parking places for visitors and the handicapped?
- Are restrooms, classrooms, and the nursery clearly marked?
- Are the church facilities handicapped-accessible?
- Is the sanctuary clean and well lit?
- Are the hymnals in good repair?
- Are the bulletins easy to follow and the print large enough to read easily?
- Are the worship leaders easily heard? Is the sound system in good working order?
- Is the material displayed on bulletin boards current?
If you answered “no” to any of these questions, it may suggest an indifference to potential visitors. Studies have shown that visitors make up their minds in the first 11 minutes whether they will return to a church. The sermon may be dynamic and the music inspiring, but the unspoken messages often are what shape a person’s impression of a church.
– From “Connectings,” September 2003, a monthly publication of the North Carolina Conference. Used with permission.
For more information on Igniting Ministry and welcoming newcomers, go to www.ignitingministry.com.
For more information about church signs, an archived story is available from the Dec. 21, 2001, issue of “The Call.”
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