3. Over Do It with Signage.

When someone comes to visit our church for the first time the last thing I want them thinking is, “IS THIS THE RIGHT PLACE? ARE WE AT THE RIGHT BUILDING? IS THIS THEIR PARKING LOT?” Unfortunately, we have definitely heard that before; which prompted us to invest in signage – and we could definitely use a lot more! When you & I start attending a church for a while you and I become numb to the stuff that is glaringly obvious to a first time guest (which is the reason why we have 1st time guest surveys).

I want our guests the minute they pull onto our street to be ASSURED AND PUT TO EASE that this is the right place. We have signs on the street, on the building, in front of the building, in front of the parking lot, next to the parking lot, across from the parking lot. In fact, a first time guest recently said, “Gee, you certainly couldn’t miss The Dialogue Church, there were signs everywhere.” For us that is a win – and a step up from when one someone said after finding us on Twitter, “You guys must be a secret, I didn’t even know you were there.” Well, none of our churches can afford to be a secret!

Signs help people know where they are going, which makes guests feel comfortable & welcome; when people feel comfortable in our church, we know they are more likely to tune into the Word of God and enjoy the experience rather than sweating about all the “unknowns.”

We need signs outside and inside, a number of respected church planting gurus will say that the first thing people want to know about the building is, “WHERE ARE THE BATHROOMS?” If you think its “not that hard to figure out”, then your guests are probably freaking out and ready to bail because they can’t find their way around. It should be easy and obvious.

2. Use the website.

At TheDC we view our website as a kind of “front porch” to our faith community. It is a place where the conversation can begin with those far from God or who have never been to our church’s gatherings. Make sure the church website has information that is helpful to new comers and first time guests, such as: worship times, location & directions, how long it will last, what’s for the kids, and what to expect (in the area of music, message, media and what to wear). If there will be coffee, let them know. And let them know where they can go if they have any questions. I would also say to post your messages online. At theDC I am always amazed at how the LISTEN ONLINE section of our website is changing lives and drawing people to Christ and His Church. I would also say utilize social media sites like Twitter and Facebook (we have had a number of people visit our church because of these two sites). As a church we can’t afford to not be GREAT at the Great Commission and in order for that to happen we must GO INTO THE COMMUNITY – WE MUST GO TO WHERE THE PEOPLE ALREADY ARE, INSTEAD OF WAITING FOR THEM TO COME TO US. Facebook is one place where people already are – so why not bring the Good News to them!