The Church Hopper

(Here are my top 5 Do’s and Dont’s from this past year of church hopping)

After visiting almost 30 churches this past year, I have compiled a list of the Do’s and Don’ts for the church. So, if you are a church goer, leader, or pastor, this particular post may be super helpful for you!

The Do’s…

Do keep your website and social media UP TO DATE or delete them. Having outdated information is worse than having nothing at all. Also, when it comes to websites… keep it simple, easy to navigate, and make sure your service times are super visible!

Do have your service times on your sign and/or building.

Do make sure your entrance is clear! Now, I know your entrance may be clear to YOU but is it clear to a stranger? Do you have signs on locked doors as to where they should enter? Make sure people don’t leave because they don’t know where to go! 

Do have a greeter at the entrance! Yes, have them at the sanctuary door also if you can… but if you can only have one… have them at the entrance door! 

Do welcome visitors in the opening announcements in a blanket type of way. (but don’t call them out – more on that later)

Do over explain! What I mean by this is YOU know how you do communion, and YOU know where the kids go during children’s church. But your visitors may not! 

The Don’ts

Don’t ask for visitors to stand. This is an awful tradition that many churches do. Just don’t! 

Don’t assume that people will know where the bathrooms, nursery, fellowship hall, etc. are. Have signs that clearly state where to go if you don’t have a help desk kind of thing set up. TIP: If you are involved in your church and want to update your signage… Ask a person who has NEVER been in your church to come in and help. Where do their eye wander when looking for directional signs? Where do they get lost in the building? I have done this personally, and it made a huge difference!

Don’t assume that everyone that enters your doors is a Christian or was raised in a church. So, if you are preaching – give background information on your texts. That lady who walked in may feel left out when you start your message with, “Everyone knows the story of the birth of Jesus.”  or “We all know that Noah built the ark.”

Don’t make your altar calls only about salvation. Always make sure that your invitation includes inviting anyone up that maybe in needs of prayer.

Don’t try to connect a visitor quickly into a volunteer role for a few reasons… 1. You should always try to connect them to a small group where they can grow in their faith first. 2. Background checks should always be done before you throw someone into a role where they will be working with others. 3. When folks are feeling out churches – they may freeze up when they are being offered too much at one time. Let them breathe… always try to build an authentic relationship with them first.