As a church visitor, I encounter a range of welcomes. Some provide so much attention that many people would feel uncomfortable and not go back. Others provide so little attention I wonder if I was even noticed. My hunch is most welcoming committees are naturally made up of outgoing people, who use tactics geared towards other outgoing people.
Here are some tactics with the view of an outgoing person; Michael, and a reversed person; Toby.
- Visitor parking: Michael says, “How nice and thoughtful, they have a space for me.” Toby thinks, “I’m not going to call out attention to myself, I’m not parking there.”
- Welcome greeting at door: Michael enjoys the small talk and greetings. Toby shakes hands and only says hello, then finds a seat quickly in the back.
- Visitor gift: Michael thinks, “How thoughtful and caring.” Toby thinks, “Now I have to carry around a sign that I’m a visitor.”
- Visitor card information request: Toby thinks, “This is wonderful. I can fill everything out and not talk to anyone unless I want to.” Michael thinks, “This is impersonal and not a good use of my time.”
- Stand up and introduce yourself: Michael thinks, “Now this is personal attention. I can announce myself to everyone!” Toby thinks, “Can I fake fainting to get out of this?”
- Walk around and greet everyone: Michael walks around the whole room and makes sure to greet everyone. Toby sits or stands in place, hold his arms close together, greets those that come to them only, and wishes the time would end as fast as possible.
Follow-UpAs a church visitor, I do not receive many follow-ups, even though follow-up is crucial to maintaining a connection with the visitor. They may have visited several churches over a few weeks and the follow-up will remind them about your specific church. It can also be used to highlight upcoming events, like a concert or a children’s event. However, it should be not overbearing or too frequent. I feel a good follow-up is more than once, but less than four times. The first one should be within a week and the others spread out over a couple of months.
Here are some tactics continued with the view of an outgoing person, Michael, and a reversed person, Toby.
- Handwritten Thank You note from the pastor: Michael & Toby think, “It’s personal and thoughtful.”
- Full page typed letter: Michael & Toby think, “It’s slightly less personal, but still thoughtful.”
- Holiday card or postcard: Michael & Toby think, “It’s personal and thoughtful.”
- Phone call: Michael thinks, “How wonderful to talk to them again and be able to ask some questions I had.” Toby thinks, “I’m not going to answer it because they will ask me a ton of questions.”
- Email: Michael & Toby think, “It’s personal and thoughtful.”
- Surprise House Visit: Michael welcomes them, but feels it is slightly pushy. Toby starts to have a panic attack because he’s not prepared for guests.
In short, make them feel welcome and follow-up, but not in overbearing ways.