The first ten seconds matter, and in the first ten minutes decisions are being made.
For example, when I walk into a hotel, a concert venue, or a retail store, within seconds the first things I encounter have made an impression on me. Either positive or negative.
I’ve walked into restaurants that were so bad, I literally froze in the doorway and said to my wife Patti, “We are not eating here.” We were really hungry, but we left!
In contrast, I recently walked into an incredible hotel. It was stunning, and within minutes I told Patti, I’m not sure we’re ever going home!
Your church creates the same effect. One way or the other. Your guests make lightning-fast decisions about your church. No church is perfect, we are all working on stuff, but we can’t afford to mess up on the first impression.
If your first impression is positive, you gain instant grace for any other element of your church overall that needs improvement.
If your first impression is negative, it is far more difficult for a guest to overlook any less than inspiring element of your church.
8 Key First Impressions:
1) Clearly marked street signs directing where to turn into your church.
Not every church comes with several police officers and a couple of hundred orange cones to make plain where to turn in from the main road. Even with sophisticated GPS apps like WAZE, that final turn is often the most confusing. Make sure it’s marked and easy to see.
2) Friendly parking lot attendants.
I’ve pulled into churches on vacation or places I’ve consulted, and it seemed like the parking lot attendants were angry with me. Hey, I’ve never been there and don’t know where to go! At other churches, they seemed bored. But the ones I love have me smiling before I get out of my car! They are waving, saying good morning, directing, some even wearing giant Mickey Mouse hands! I instantly think… “I like this place!”
3) Well maintained landscaping and buildings.
Everyone notices when they drive onto a property and see a professionally maintained look. It signals that you care and subtly hints toward a good experience inside. You don’t have to spend a fortune; you may even have professionals in your church that will offer you a discount to take good care of your property.
4) Warm and engaging greeters and ushers.
Your greeters and ushers are of utmost importance. They are among the first smiles and personal conversations once a guest is out of their car. World-class hospitality is essential. A bored, untrained or distracted greeter might ensure your guest does not return. An usher who is talking to his or her buddies and doesn’t make eye contact can sour a guest’s experience. Nothing is too small to pay attention to.
5) Clear and informative interior signage.
The larger the church building, the more critical the signage is, but even in small churches clear signage is vital! For example, clear signage to the bathrooms can make a guest feel at ease rather than frustrated! Clear signage to the nursery is also a top priority.
6) A clean and well-staffed nursery.
For any family that has infants or toddlers, this is mission-critical. If your nursery doesn’t seem safe or clean, they will not likely trust their child to your care. And more importantly, they may not return.
7) Worship service starts on time.
Americans in general are time conscious. Perhaps we shouldn’t be clock watchers, but it’s part of our culture. When you start late, or your service runs over, that feels disrespectful. It communicates that the church’s agenda is more important than your guest’s plans for the rest of the day.
8) Elements of surprise and delight!
The first-time guests were seated, and the husband asked for a blanket for his wife. An unusual request, but the usher learned that his wife was undergoing chemotherapy and felt cold nearly all the time. The church didn’t have blankets, but the usher said, “I’ll get one right away.” He ran to his car and got a blanket from his trunk and gave it to the guest with cancer. This couple still attends that church!
Surprise and delight might not be that dramatic, but notice how simple it was. It can be humor during the service, or maybe a small gift like chocolate for first-time guests. Don’t underestimate the positive impact of surprise and delight!
Maybe this is why I always keep a couple of blankets in my car. 🙂 Great post!
Indeed! 🙂
9. Awareness – as a highly introverted person when I am a guest somewhere, I want to be able to slip in and slip out on my own terms. Ushers need to be able to read people and engage them at the level they want to be engaged, not the level of the overly extroverted usher.
Great addition Scott, thanks!
Dan, as always – great! This is a great list for congregations that still see their building and Sunday morning worship experience as the best front door for new people to walk through. They can’t help it, for they’re married to the “bricks and mortar” concept of the “church”. I’d suggest a list that helps congregations understand that their people are the absolute best front door of their church. And those first impressions are all about radiant, engaging, welcoming people that give off an outstanding impression of Jesus to all that they meet. Keep up the great work – thanks for your wisdom and passion to serve the Bride!
You are right Al, the people in the congregation are the true first impressions!! How we all live out our faith in the community is the real deal. The building is just where we gather to worship! Thanks for the post idea.
I’m new to your blog and loving it. Thanks so much for all the insights. I am gleaning a lot from your years of experience.
Hey Brett, you are welcome, and thanks for subscribing. I’m glad you’re finding the material helpful!
Seven of the eight reasons are why me and my husband kept coming back to 12Stone after trying other churches when we first moved to Flowery Branch. Number six does not apply to us. One of many of your wonderful posts Dan, thank you!
Thanks Debbie! I love that you are part of 12Stone!! Very much appreciate you guys!
Love this post! As a consultant, I’ve had these conversations multiple times with pastors and church leaders. These seemingly small things can make a HUGE impact on a visitor (as well as our regular church attenders)! And the “fix” for each of these is relatively inexpensive in comparison to the payoff.
You are so right Jon. Thanks for your comment!
10. A tired and tiring worship service.
Thanks for your comment Robin!