Creating Guest Culture
The thing that blinds most churches from guest culture is “home culture.” Home culture assumes everyone knows everyone and knows how to get around the building. Therefore, things like directional signage is often ignored and the placement of the church nursery and kids church is far from the sanctuary. During announcements people are told to see Sister or Brother ____, if they want to participate in an event or program. Everyone in “home culture” is fine with all of this. However, first time, unchurched guests, get completely lost and confused in home culture. First time, unchurched guests need signage and they need simple processes. Things like the restrooms need to be well marked from the lobby, not a hallway. Nursery and children’s check-in stations need to be in the lobby where your guest will arrive. They will not wander around hallways looking for nurseries. A place like “guest central” or a welcome booth is where they need to go to engage in an event or church program. There needs to be one central place to get information for everything and sign up for anything, if you want to be guest friendly. Finally, your walls need to be talking. A first time, unchurched guest, should be able to read the walls and find out what is going on in the church. The walls should tell them how to join life groups, or go on a missions trips or meet the pastor. Don’t be blinded by “home culture.” Walk into your church and processes through the eyes of a first time, unchurched guest to improve your “guest culture.”
