Preparing for Easter Church Guests

From Baptist Press:

FIRST-PERSON: Preparing for Easter church guests

Diana Davis

INDIANAPOLIS (BP)--You've inundated your town with prayer and printed invitations to worship at your church on Easter. The nationwide GPS (God's Plan for Sharing) media blitz has reinforced those efforts. You have a sudden, terrifying thought ... "What if they all show up?!"

My husband often says, "You get what you get ready for." Need fresh ideas for getting ready?

PREPARE FOR THE MASSES

-- Update website, guest packets, directional signage and first-time-guest parking spaces.

-- Make the church facilities sparkle; they reflect your love for God.

-- Prepare extra bulletins, chairs, ushers, greeters, decision counselors.

-- Avoid acronyms in printed and spoken announcements; guests won't have a clue what HSM means.

-- Offer your best, wholehearted worship to God.

-- Make a plan for guests to receive e-mails, snail mail and a personal contact within 72 hours.

THE THREE WEEK CHALLENGE

-- As you welcome guests, ask them to take the "three-week challenge," committing to attend your church three times so they can get a true feel for your church and God's guidance for their lives.

-- Incorporate the three-week challenge into your regular communication card or guest registration, with a check box for first time, second time, completed three week challenge and "I lost count."

-- Offer a three-week punch card for a free drink, if you have a church coffee shop.

CONNECT TWO

Urge every church member to personally connect with two guests at church each Sunday. Provide helpful hints:

-- Pray silently as you approach guests.

-- Write down the guest's name.

-- Walk with guests to their destination.

-- Jot your personal phone or e-mail on a card for the guest.

-- Tell them what you love about your church.

-- Introduce guests to other church members with similar interests.
-- Invite the guest to small group Bible study.

-- Leave your pew and sit near a guest in worship.

-- Circle items on the bulletin that might interest the guest.

-- Personally invite the guest for coffee, lunch or an upcoming church event.

-- Escort the guest to meet the pastor or staff member after worship.

If they all show up to hear about Jesus this Easter Sunday, will you be ready?
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Diana Davis is the author of Fresh Ideas (B&H Publishing) and the wife of the Indiana Baptist State Convention executive director. Learn more at www.keeponshining.com. Learn more about GPS at www.gps2020.net.