There are a variety of materials and programs available to help you learn more. Contact the nearest location or visit our Welcome Center for details.
Greeter's Program

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Discuss: "Are you ready to welcome people in?"

Underlying attitudes of the congregation
Clean, welcoming space
Understandable and life-applicable sermons
Newcomer friendly worship
People ready to make new friends

Explore what it's like to come into a new place

Fears, unknowns, etc.

First impressions

They DO make a difference
10% of first time visitors become regulars
25% of second time visitors become regulars
45% of third time visitors become regulars

Factors that contribute to someone's first impression and integration:

  1. Church growth research shows that clean bathrooms and a safe and clean nursery are top on the list of underlying external factors of why someone will or will not return.
  2. First impressions are rarely about doctrine.
  3. Some common components to first impressions:
    • Physical location
    • Signage
    • Welcoming people
    • Clear instructions (know what's going on)
    • Inspiring music
    • Clear and applicable message
    • People taking the time to talk to them, more than just a smile
    • Clear information to take home

Greeters Program Training

Recruit...train...implement

Recruit

Friendly
Meet people where they are
Consistency
Don't need to know high level doctrine to be a good greeter

Train

How to welcome
Basic church teachings
Knowledge about groups, events, and ways to be involved

Practice

Empowerment
Implement
Figure out what model works for your church
Worship teams
Dedicated greeters
Consistency
Rotations

Create community within the greeters

System for collecting information
System for follow up
Find balance of connecting with first time visitors and returners
Review and change as needed

Additional Tools

Welcome packets
Response cards
Guest book
Weekly greeter debrief

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“Heaven consists in a heartfelt desire for the good of others rather than one’s own good, and in serving them from the love of making them happy, not for the sake of any selfish hope of reward.”
Arcana Coelestia 452

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Foundations Program

New! Foundations Program is an organized orientation to the many teachings of the New Church. Valuable for newcomers and for long-term members alike!

Outreach Magazine

General Church Outreach Magazine is a quarterly publication that explores themes in evangelization and outreach. You can view current and past issues, as well as subscribe to receive Outreach Magazine by email or mail.

Featured Books

"Freely Give: Evangelization and the New Church" Erik J. Buss This is not simply a "how-to" manual based on the many ways in which the Lord calls upon us to engage in the work of evangelization. It offers reasons why this is important and methods by which we might go about it. It provides insight about who is most likely to be receptive to our efforts, and under what conditions.