They Give Me No Reasons to Not Come Back (Part II)

Can church searchers find churches other than North Point where unchurched people love to attend? Oh yeah. In fact, church searchers should expect the same welcome qualities, or they shouldn’t return for another visit.  

Because of North Point’s size, and therefore large resource pool, we might be inclined to give smaller groups a pass on achieving the same exceptional experience North Point offers guests. After a day and a half behind the scenes, I disagree completely with that notion. 

Think of it this way, when we’re invited and expected at a friend’s house, does it really matter if it’s an apartment or an estate? Not really. The environments may be different, but it’s the feel and quality of the welcome, not the size, that makes us want to come back.  

When visiting a church, look for these same guest services to assess whether or not you’ll be returning for another visit. A welcoming church should:

1.       Expect guests to show up.  Not every church needs parking volunteers, but entry into the group’s gathering space shouldn’t be a scavenger hunt either. For some churches, clear directions on their Websites are enough. Others can use clear and obvious signs from parking lot to building.  Or, front door attendants who prompt guests in the right direction. When visiting a church, guests should be able to tell right away where the main entrance is for every area of the church. 

2.       Show guests where the bathroom is. Some groups have inherited truly dysfunctional buildings. I get that. But so should they. A group should prepare ahead of time for easy access to all areas and not abandon guests to a “follow the crowd” mentality. There are enough frustrations in daily living. No need to go back to a group that adds uncertainty to an already anxious time for guests.  

3.       Create a memorable experience. North Point’s adult worship experience uses secular sounding music, offers “a laugh” within the first two minutes, and provides their best communicators to lead the opening and welcoming experience.  Kids’ and youth’s areas engage their guests in familiar, fun, and age-appropriate environments, too. Being a guest at a church shouldn’t be any more uncomfortable than meeting a new group at work, school, or recreation.  Create common ground, people; common ground.

4.       Provide an experience of excellence. No experience is perfectly perfect. But most of us will return to a similar experience if we find something of high quality about it. When visiting a church, guests should expect the group’s very best effort. You might not like their music style, theology, or purpose, but we all value excellence. In fact, we are drawn to it again and again.   

Every time you visit a church, you should expect the group to be at their very best, especially in welcoming guests. Doesn’t matter the group’s size, theology, music style, or ministries; if they don’t show they’re expecting guests, you don’t need another reason to not return. 

Part III explores the reasons why North Point guests eventually become engaged participants. I’ll show you how they provide space for new people on the journey to becoming what God wants them to be.