We all know that first impressions are crucial. It was only after visiting some other churches for the first time recently that I was reminded of how important it is that first timers receive a great welcome.
We can become so familiar with our own church that we become blind to things that are unclear for visitors. Perhaps we’re so wrapped up in making sure that the morning’s programme is up and running that we are not ready to greet the visitors as they arrive.
Who’s on the door?
Who is the first person a new family meets? Does that person know what arrangements there are for children and families? Are they able to escort the family to the most suitable place for them? This could be a place in church where there is space for a buggy or where a children’s leader can find them if there’s a problem.
For churches without groups for children, is there something to give to new children, such as art materials, puzzles or Bible story books, to show you are prepared and keen for families to be there?
The best place to be is on the door if you can – it’s a key moment for welcoming new families and gives a great first impression.
Signs
Signs are no replacement for people on the door, but they can indicate where to go, label rooms and show what facilities are available, especially if the children’s rooms aren’t immediately obvious.
Registering children
This should not only be a requirement but is also key to helping you keep in touch with new families. A registration form should collect contact details, health information, permissions for photos/first aid and emergency contact details. If parents are unable to fill in some parts you could always fill this in at a later date, but in my experience, if a parent takes the form away, it’s difficult to get it back! An example of a registration form is given at the bottom of this article.
If the child is a visitor, then show the parent which sections are necessary to complete and then remember not add them to your list. Just for good measure we ask everyone to renew their form once a year. This is also a good opportunity to give out information: how the group works, the vision for the group and ways you partner with parents to raise children of faith. See the example at the bottom of the page.
If children leave for their groups during the service, you could consider having a children’s registration desk at the front door before the service begins. This also ensures families are given a good welcome by someone on the team who understands how the groups work. It also gives them more time to complete the form and to speak with them. As the group leader, you’ll know how many to expect and if you have to help new families find their way to the room.
Ready to welcome
Make sure that a room is setup and looks inviting for children before any families arrive. Look like you are expecting children of all ages so every child feels welcome. The team should have already gone through the programme and prayed. It doesn’t reassure parents if the team don’t know what is going on or if they are still scrambling around as families are arriving.
Have enough team to settle in children who are upset, so parents feel able to leave them. Equally, have the flexibility to let parents stay for the first few sessions if necessary, but do encourage them from the start that it would be good for them if they could join the service in future so expectations are clear. Allow some flexibility in ages boundaries – it will help visitors if siblings or friends can stay together.
If possible, have someone who is in the group every week (or most weeks). This will help new families to settle: being asked if you are new four weeks in a row doesn’t assure parents that their child will be known or cared for. And the child might feel unhappy being left with a stranger for the fourth week in a row.
Let us be distinguished by our love for all those who come and be a place where people find a great welcome and soon feel like they belong.
Ashley Nichols is Children’s Minister at Christ Church Cockfosters