GROUP Magazine recently asked the question, Are You As Friendly As You Think You Are? Most people think they are friendly, even if they really aren’t. Even if you ask someone who is a constant grouch and the classic curmudgeon to rank how friendly they are on a scale of one to ten, they would probably give themselves a five or better. But what does it really take to be a BFF (that’s text lingo for Best Friends Forever). How do we become more friendly? As a church how do we make sure people really feel welcome when they enter our doors.
GROUP Magazine went to 750 churches and asked 1,000’s of unchurched people this question: What makes a church friendly? Here are their top 5 characteristics of a friendly church.
(1) BELONGING—The number one quality of a friendly place is that is “makes me feel like I belong”. As the theme song from the old TV show “Cheers” told us “Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name, and they’re always glad you came”. We need to work at getting to know people and make them feel included. Maybe we need a “fun committee” who will plan activities to bring us together.
(2) COMFORT—People are looking for a warm and inviting environment. We want to help people feel comfortable and relaxed. If they are afraid of being embarrassed, not knowing what to do or being placed in a socially awkward situation they will never relax and feel at home. We need to work at disarming their fears and breaking down barriers.
(3) RELAXED FIT—Do I feel like I fit in with this group of people? Do they dress like me and talk like me? Do we have anything in common? If we feel totally out of place we will not be too eager to return. We need to work at finding common ground. We should never give the impression we are so perfect and so holy that we’re a step above anyone else.
(4) TALK TO ME—The fourth characteristic of a friendly ministry is that people actually talked. It was more than just “Hello, glad to have you with us”. People were impressed when someone took the time to engage in meaningful conversation.
(5) SMILES—People are impressed with a place where everyone seems happy. Not just greeters, but the pastors, the praise team, members, the S. S. teachers and the people in the pews. Smiles are contagious. We need to look like we’re having fun. [I’ve been thinking of installing a mirror at the side entrance. It will serve two purposes. First, I can fix my hair when the wind messes it up. Secondly, we can all practice our smile as we enter the building!] See! You’re smiling just thinking about it!
Next time you come to church here is your assignment. Go out of your way to be friendly. Come in smiling. Spot someone you don’t know that well and go over and greet them. Engage them in conversation. Maybe even invite them to lunch. Who knows? They may turn out to be your newest B.F.F.
Have a great week!
Pastor Barry
GROUP Magazine went to 750 churches and asked 1,000’s of unchurched people this question: What makes a church friendly? Here are their top 5 characteristics of a friendly church.
(1) BELONGING—The number one quality of a friendly place is that is “makes me feel like I belong”. As the theme song from the old TV show “Cheers” told us “Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name, and they’re always glad you came”. We need to work at getting to know people and make them feel included. Maybe we need a “fun committee” who will plan activities to bring us together.
(2) COMFORT—People are looking for a warm and inviting environment. We want to help people feel comfortable and relaxed. If they are afraid of being embarrassed, not knowing what to do or being placed in a socially awkward situation they will never relax and feel at home. We need to work at disarming their fears and breaking down barriers.
(3) RELAXED FIT—Do I feel like I fit in with this group of people? Do they dress like me and talk like me? Do we have anything in common? If we feel totally out of place we will not be too eager to return. We need to work at finding common ground. We should never give the impression we are so perfect and so holy that we’re a step above anyone else.
(4) TALK TO ME—The fourth characteristic of a friendly ministry is that people actually talked. It was more than just “Hello, glad to have you with us”. People were impressed when someone took the time to engage in meaningful conversation.
(5) SMILES—People are impressed with a place where everyone seems happy. Not just greeters, but the pastors, the praise team, members, the S. S. teachers and the people in the pews. Smiles are contagious. We need to look like we’re having fun. [I’ve been thinking of installing a mirror at the side entrance. It will serve two purposes. First, I can fix my hair when the wind messes it up. Secondly, we can all practice our smile as we enter the building!] See! You’re smiling just thinking about it!
Next time you come to church here is your assignment. Go out of your way to be friendly. Come in smiling. Spot someone you don’t know that well and go over and greet them. Engage them in conversation. Maybe even invite them to lunch. Who knows? They may turn out to be your newest B.F.F.
Have a great week!
Pastor Barry
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