The Top 4 Reasons to Introduce Yourself

by Bill Cowles

In my previous blog, I ranted about my ongoing experience of feeling unwelcomed and uncomfortable while visiting churches because front-of-the-room worship leaders rarely introduce themselves. And if that’s the problem, it’s only fair to offer some easy and effective solutions.

A good start is to remember the power of first impressions. The people who speak in front bear a huge responsibility for creating pleasing experiences and lasting impressions with visitors. And sharing your name makes a powerful, personal, lasting impression. Consider the benefits for your church when every stranger who comes in leaves with a personal connection.

For each and every person who ever has or ever will stand and speak before a church gathering, here are four great reasons why announcing your name and your role/responsibility in the church will pay off in huge dividends with visiting strangers:

1. They now will recognize a familiar face and name. You’ve just eliminated the stranger factor for them. They might not yet consider you a friend, but it’s a pretty good start to connecting. They will carry away a personal, familiar memory of an individual with a name and an identified role, and won’t feel unattached when (if) they return.
2. They will hear what you have to say. It’s really hard to concentrate on someone’s words when you don’t know who they are and why they are talking to you. If you want people to feel comfortable and confident following your lead in singing, praying, preaching, discussing, and engaging, then identify yourself first,
3. It opens an opportunity to invite visitors to be part of your church’s vision, mission, and purpose. Since you’ve captured their attention, visitors will receive the valuable information you want them to know about your church like – who you are, where you’re going, and what you’re doing as a church. Regulars also will get a helpful reminder of the “Why,” “What,” and “Who” that motivate ministry participation and drive results. Then, too, your regulars soon will be able to cite your vision, mission, and purpose clearly and succinctly to not only church visitors, but also to personal friends and community contacts.
4. You will have modeled positive, welcoming behavior to your other leaders and church regulars. In time, everyone in the congregation will become comfortable with an “I’ll-go-first” introductory practice. It will become natural and normal. Leaders go first every time, of course. You will create a cultural standard.

So, what does an effective introduction sound like? Here are a couple of real-life examples of really good introductions to help you before your next front-of-the-room opportunity…

• "Good morning! My name is _ (Banjo John)__,and I am the __(Worship Leader) __here at __(Our Church)_. The musicians and I will be leading us as we __(Praise God, give him thanks, and ask his blessings through our voices lifted together in beautiful music)__. Our music and scripture today are all about __(Message topic)__, so stand as you’re able and join us in song!”
• "Good morning! I’m __(Julie Elder)__, and I am the __(Lead Pastor)__ here at __(Our Church)__, and I am thrilled you’re here with us. For those of you visiting today, __(Our Church)__  is a worshiping community that exists to serve our __(Local Name)__ community with __(small group outreach to single-parent families and others who don’t have a relationship with a loving family__). Our vision is that __(no one in Our Community will ever be lonely, feel lost, or unloved__). We take the message of Jesus Christ into the community through a wide variety of ministries and mission programs, and we invite you to explore where you might fit. I and some of our ministry leaders will be in the __(Room)__ after the service, and invite you to come and introduce yourself. We have lots of information and good news to share with you, and I look forward to meeting you and knowing your name.”

Now, isn’t that easy? And aren’t the benefits potentially wonderful? Visitors will feel good knowing that you cared enough about them to make an extra effort to introduce yourself. They’ll listen to what you have to say and feel confident about following your lead because they heard you. Chances are, too, they’ll feel good enough to come back.