Guests came!!
What do I say to them? What do I do?
First things first - we do not want visitors! We wantguests!
Second,we don’t greet people. We host guests.
Imagine you have invited the neighborhood for a barbecue — most you don’t know. When they arrive you would host guests — not simply greet visitors.
That change in thinking is at the core of all I say.
Expect guests! Plan for guests!
This is a 16 minute video that provides phrases to say, things to do, and what to avoid.
Why pre-evangelism? I believe evangelism needs to be understood as deep, spiritual conversations. Such conversations require a relationship exist. This website is about building such relationships.
But how do I get their contact information so we can build a relationship?
KEY to pre-evangelism: Always assertive. Never aggressive. Ask - do not insist. Ask - do not make them uncomfortable. Many first time guests would like to go home and think about it.
Tell they why to leave the information: We would love to keep you informed about our church and various activities. Please leave your contact information ________”
Don’t ask for more than you need —- name, phone number, email. The more you ask for, the more people will refuse. Why do you need their kids names and ages now? If they return and are interested in Christian Education - ask then. First time? Could feel creepy! Why do you need their physical address?
Offer multiple opportunities
Guest book in narthex (lobby) Don’t stare at them until they fill it in!
A place in bulletin. I like a QR code linked to connect form on website. (Don’t ask for too much there either.) At the Peace is a good place. There is time in the service for them to fill it in. I like calling it ‘connect with us’ rather than ‘contact us’.
A place in bulletin — a cell phone number they can text their name to. Simplest option!
A separate form in the bulletin. Encourage them just before the collection to complete it and put it in the basket. That’s another reason to ask very little — so they have time to complete it.
Give them a gift like a basket with a loaf of bread. Include a form with the QR code and the cell phone number.
THEN — respond! If you don’t, if you ghost them you have wasted a lot of time. All it take is: Thanks for coming! We will be in touch soon. Blessings. If you can personalize it with names or anything that’s good.
Yup! I am tired after the service. Exhausted! (1) This does not have to be done by clergy. (2) If this takes you over ten minutes either you were extremely crowded or you are a lousy typist!
I like using a texting service which allows me to write the text immediately, before I forget, and then have it sent later. The evangelicals disagree with me, but I think as they drive home is a little pushy. Most systems allow you to schedule and I aim for 7pm.
Example forms
