By Jeffrey Melvin
Many churches have ideal signage, a flashy website, ample volunteers, and matching lanyards, but they are forgetting the one key component in creating a lasting first impression with visitors. Paying attention to the people who walk through the door.
The key component to creating an attractive and inviting culture is to meet the needs of people. They are the ones who decide whether or not to return.
People decide if they feel welcome and loved. People decide if their needs have been met when they leave.
It is all about people. Signage, free coffee, and comfortable environments are important, but they can only do so much. You have to take the time and energy to meet the needs of the people coming to your church.
A few weeks ago, I had a family approach me in the lobby in between services. For anyone who oversees the First Impressions or greeter ministry in your church, you know this is usually the busiest time of the day.
I sped past this family and gave them my fake “Welcome, but I’m really busy smile” and kept going. Ironically, the lanyard I was so proudly wearing that day said, “How Can I Help You Today?”
At that moment, I felt God was telling me to go back and talk to them. I wrestled with God internally. I tried to convince Him I had a lot to get done within the next three minutes before we opened the doors for the service.
But God didn’t seem to care what I had to say in that moment.
I turned around, walked over to the family, and introduced myself. They had a lonely and helpless look in their eyes. I leaned in close and asked if I could help them with anything.
The grandmother said, “We’re hungry and we were just checking to see if you had any food.” As my heart dropped into my stomach, I can imagine God saying, “Next time please pay more attention.”
We were able to give them two boxes of food from our food pantry and offered to hold on to it while they went into the service.
They didn’t take us up on our offer. Instead, they took their food and left. But here is the best part: they have been back several times since and have heard a clear presentation of the gospel.
That family did not need signage, flashy name tag stations, or any of the typical things we tend to focus on. They simply needed food.
What are you doing in your ministry to meet the needs of people? How are you coaching your teams to be on the lookout for ways to engage and connect with everyone who walks in your front door?
Remind them weekly that making a lasting first impression always begins with meeting the needs of people.
JEFFREY MELVIN (@JeffMelvin123) is First Impressions pastor at Mountain Lake Church in Cumming, Georgia.
