We must teach and study the Bible. (Let’s not compromise the gospel so we can fill the pews.) (continued)
More people means more beliefs, more backgrounds, and more perspectives.
- Romans 15:1
- Galatians 1:10
- II Timothy 4:1-5
We ought to treat visitors with love, as Jesus would.
- I Corinthians 14:22-25 - What do unbelievers think of us when they join our assembly? Do they see that God is among us?
Follow Jesus’ example.
- Matthew 5:16 - Our goal should be to glorify God and cause others to want to glorify God.
- Luke 19:1-10 - How did Jesus treat prospective disciples?
- Luke 13:34 - Jesus wanted to help and save everyone.
- Luke 22:31
- Luke 23:33 - Jesus even prayed for His murderers!
- Mark 10:13-16
- Luke 7:39
Consider Thom Rainier’s data
Top 10 responses as to why people did not return to a particular church.
- The stand-and-greet time in the worship service was unfriendly and awkward.
- Unfriendly church members.
- Unsafe and unclean children’s areas.
- No place to get information on the church.
- Bad church website.
- Poor signage.
- Insider church language.
- Boring or bad church services.
- Members telling guests they were in the wrong pew or chair.
- Dirty facilities.
Top 10 responses from happy guests
- Someone asked the guest to sit with her.
- People introduced themselves to the guests.
- There was clear signage.
- There was a clearly marked welcome center.
- The kids loved the children’s area.
- The children’s area was secure and sanitary.
- Guest parking was clearly visible.
- The church did not have a stand-and-greet time.
- The members were not pushy.
- The guest card was simple to complete.
Develop genuine love and concern.
- II Peter 3:9
- II Corinthians 7:2; 11:28
Be aware of how we sound to others.
- I Corinthians 9:19-23
- Acts 22:2-3 - Paul tailored his speech and approach to the audience at the time.