This Month's Challenge (#5)

This Month’s Challenge (#5)

Alex D. Ogden

There is a quote which goes something like this: “People will forget what you say, people will forget what you do, but people will never forget how you made them feel!” Indeed, people will most remember how they were made to feel by others, and this can be the deciding factor in whether or not they want to be around those people again.

We should stop and give some serious thought to this matter. We are blessed here at Clay with visitors at many of our services. Some are Christians visiting in the area on the Lord’s Day while others are from the community. Some of the local visitors are here because of an invitation from a member they know while others attend strictly on their own. Do these visitors leave us feeling noticed and appreciated or do they leave us feeling they had intruded on an assembly they weren’t welcome in? They will be far more likely to return if they felt noticed and appreciated. It has been estimated that approximately 75% of second-time visitors will eventually become regular attenders. So it is important first time visitors be made to feel truly welcome.

This month’s challenge, then, is rather simple:

Look for those who are visiting our services and make
them feel noticed and appreciated

How can we make our visitors feel noticed and appreciated? For one, make certain you introduce yourself to every visitor. There is nothing which will make the visitor feel noticed and appreciated any more than several of the members going out of their way to introduce themselves. I personally remember visiting with one congregation where not one person said a word to us. I’m not exaggerating. We didn’t feel noticed and appreciated and thus had no desire to go back. As I think about it, that is the ONLY thing I remember about that congregation. I don’t remember the speaker or his lesson or the worship of those in attendance. All I remember is that I was not noticed! Let’s not ever allow that to happen here.

Since they may well be among total strangers, take it on yourself to become their friend for the time they are here. Sit with or near them. Visit with them before and after services so they will know they are not alone.

A card or letter expressing appreciation for their presence is another good idea. The visitors cards are turned over each week to the group assigned for the month to follow up on these visitors. Do your part by getting their address and sending them a personal note. A brief note from someone other than the preacher is impressive.

If they are new to the area, offer any and all help you can to assist them in getting settled in. That could be anything from helping them actually unpack some boxes to just sharing information about where the local Wal-Mart or best restaurant is located.

If you are teaching one of the classes of the little ones make certain all visiting children are made to feel comfortable and a part of the class. If they enjoy the learning environment you provide they will be asking Mom and Dad to bring them back. On the other hand, if they have a bad experience in class they will do all they can to keep Mom and Dad from returning for another visit.

If you happen to be assigned as the “Greeter” for one of the services please take your responsibilities seriously. To be in position to greet all our visitors you should make it a point to be present at least 25 minutes before services are to begin and linger in the foyer at least 5 minutes after services have begun. Don’t just meet them as they enter the building and stuff a visitors card in their hand. Be prepared to introduce yourself and share a warm greeting. Be prepared to answer any question they may have. If on Sunday morning or Wednesday evening make it a point to know in advance where the various classes are and know who is currently teaching them. This way you can quickly match up the visiting student with their teacher or direct them to the class that is appropriate for them. First impressions are important. The Greeter’s job is to make certain all visitors receive a good first impression.

If we will do all we can to make our visitors feel noticed and appreciated, we will open new doors of opportunity to teach the non-Christian and to encourage Christians moving into our area. Are you up for the challenge?