Why Don’t People Know How Great We Are?
Have you ever wondered why people don’t visit your church? After all, you can’t imagine life without your church family. If they would only visit, then they would experience the warmth and love that you feel every week. Why don’t they visit? And if they visit, why don’t they come back?
Next Sunday, check out your church. The buildings you admire, the people you love, the programs you enjoy. Does anything say “welcome” to people who don’t know you? Do you throw the doors open and let the neighbors get a hint of the glorious music within? Are there members outside the building helping people park, maybe a Sunday School class meeting at a picnic table under a tree? How about signs letting visitors know what may be happening at the church that week?
Do you have programs, other than Sunday morning, that may appeal to others? If you do, how do you let the neighborhood know about them? Next time you plan an event or program, ask yourself, “Does this appeal only to our members, or would it also appeal to my neighbors or my co-workers?”
Planning an event only for the church is important, but don’t overlook the witness possibilities of events for the community. Most importantly, don’t have an outreach event without sending them home with information on the next event at your church. Make up postcards, flyers, business cards, etc., that members can hand out to personally invite them to Sunday School or worship on a certain date. Don’t worry if it’s not another big event – the important part here is the personal invitation.
Let’s talk ideas, both about ways to attract visitors, and ways to keep them interested in learning more about your church. Email A New Vision at 2009newvision@gmail.com and let’s talk about how to spread the Good News in a new way!
