First Impressions
You Don't Get a Second Chance ...
... to make a first impression. Although studies vary, they say that you only have between three and twelve minutes to Wow! your first-time guests before they've made up their minds whether or not they're likely to return. And the clock starts ticking when they arrive in your parking lot - before they're even out of their car. That means your visitors make their decision:
- Before they've heard the sermon
- Before they've heard the choir anthem
- Maybe even before the prelude (or beat of the drums)!
That being the case, you're going to want to ensure that everything your first-time guests see and experience is not only pleasant, but makes a positive and memorable impression.
With that in mind, on a Sunday morning five minutes AFTER the main service has started, take a tour of your church beginning a block away from your driveway (and do this from every direction) with the following checklist in hand.
☐ | As you near the church, can you see your church sign clearly as you drive the speed limit? |
☐ | Is the property free of trash? |
☐ | If there are outbuildings, fences, etc. visible from the street are they attractive and in good repair? |
☐ | Is each driveway well marked? |
☐ | If there are multiple parking lots, are there indications that more parking is available? |
☐ | Is the landscaping well cared for (grass mowed, weeds pulled, bushes trimmed, etc.)? |
☐ | Is the parking lot in good repair? |
☐ | Does the building look inviting (nicely painted, in good repair, cheery)? |
☐ | Is there ample parking ... and are there enough clearly marked Guest Parking spots as close to the front doors as possible? |
☐ | Are there friendly, attentive greeters standing outside the doors? |
If all is well here, then it's time to go to the next level ...
Hospitality Training Tools
3 DVD Set
24 Sessions
Train Your Leaders
Train Your Congregation