Seven Things to Say to Newcomers

This is week two of our Advent message series, Making Room, in which we are exploring together how to make room in our hearts and in our lives for Christ, and how to make room in our churches for those who don’t worship with us regularly. When we think about making room in our churches for guests, sometimes it can feel like someone else’s job, or maybe just the greeters’ job. But the reality is that every interaction a guest has in our churches contributes to their decision to come back again or not. Each of us has the power to affect a guest’s experience in a powerful way! How can you welcome guests? Here are seven practical ideas (adapted from thomrainer.com):

1. “Thank you for being here.” It’s just that basic. I have heard from numerous church guests who returned because they were simply told “thank you.” Gratitude for someone’s presence is powerful!
2. “Let me help you with that.” If you see someone struggling with umbrellas, young children, diaper bags, purses, and other items, a gesture to hold something for them is a huge positive. Of course, this comment is appropriate for member to member as well.
3. “Please take my seat.” Have you ever seen a family struggling to find a pew with enough space to fit their whole family? This offer can have a huge impact on someone’s experience.
4. “Here is my email address. Please let me know if I can help in any way.” Of course, this comment must be used with discretion, but it can be a hugely positive message to a guest. If a guest asks a question about church activities and you aren’t sure of the answer and can’t find a team member nearby, simply take down their email address and promise that someone will follow up with them. (Then share the question and contact info with any member of the pastoral team!)
5. “Can I show you where you need to go?” Even people who have been coming here for a long time can have a hard time locating our restrooms at both churches! Guests will not know where to find the restrooms, the hall for coffee and donuts, a changing table for their child, etc. Offer to walk with guests to their desired location.
6. “Let me introduce you to ___________.” The return rate of guests is always higher if they meet other people. You may have the opportunity to introduce the guest to Fr. Thom, a member of the pastoral team, and other members of the church.
7. “Would you like to join me for coffee after Mass?” This is a great way to make newcomers feel welcome and to help them get connected to other members in our community.

Saying these things may be outside your comfort zone. That’s OK! Stepping outside our comfort zone is how we grow as people and as disciples. Take a shot at saying one of these phrases to someone in our church during Advent--it’s one small way of making more room for Christ in our hearts by making more room for all of God’s children in our churches!