Welcome Workshop General welcome I often think that the best way to look at welcome is to look at how we put people off ever coming back again. I want to show some examples and then give an opportunity for all present to break into groups and discuss good examples of welcome and then to share that with the whole group

In 2009 82,000 people came to church after being invited by their friends. 12-15% liked it so much they stayed and have become part of the life of the church.. The church lost touch with 35% and 50% have been seen again at special festivals or events. How can we improve?

We have heard it said of some congregations that if we need to invite someone to church then they are not the sort of people we want!

When approaching the church building how attractive and welcoming is it?

Enough said

Great impression

Some Churches do ave em! Get grouchy greeters. Or you could just get rid of greeters altogether of course, but if you're trying to make guests feel unwelcome, it is actually more effective to have grouchy greeters. Train them to carry on conversations with other greeters, and sort of just grunt at people they don't recognize. Once inside why do we choose the person with no smile as a greeter!

Back of Church Sunday! Make finding a seat really hard. All members can participate in this one. Just "save" all the seats at the back of the room or on the aisles. If you can make a guest come to the front of the church or crawl over several people to find a seat, you'll almost guarantee they'll feel unwelcome. If you arrive late for church the only place to sit is in front of everyone else!

Perhaps we should rename it!

Get people to collect a notice sheet and find the right service book. Self-Service! No greeters Get people to collect a notice sheet and find the right service book. Even better why not self service even better if we see the next slide

Now where am I?

Ineffably sublime. Crown Him the Lord of years, the Potentate of time, Creator of the rolling spheres, ineffably sublime. incapable of being expressed or described in words; inexpressible magnificent, superb, august, grand, gorgeous,

Fandabbydosey Expression of delight or approval popularised by the character "Jimmy Cranky" on British children's television during the 1980's.

Pews from the Ark One Visitor was asked “was your pew comfortable?” Long wooden bench pews with fitted kneelers of the hardest variety possible. The benches looked like they needed a new lease on life but were not uncomfortable until we knelt. No wonder we have short sermons!

The uncertainty of where to sit if you are visitor The uncertainty of where to sit if you are visitor. Are you sitting in someone’s place?

Welcome What happened when you hung around after the service looking lost? Everyone had left within a few minutes so there was little point in waiting around . No one approached me or said anything, but I had a quick few words with the minister outside before heading home. Enough said

What is Christian Welcome? “Christian Welcome is not just about being nice to visitors, it is about incorporating new people into the Body of Christ” The aim of today is for you to go back to your churches and start the debate as to how we can improve our welcome

A Welcoming Church Member “consider others better than yourselves” Philippians 2:3 Our attitude should be like our Lord Jesus who took up the basin and the towel

What does welcome look like? Workshop Before the service During the service After the service After Sunday What does welcome look like? Let’s break into groups of 5 and 6 and look at how you might improve welcome Before the service During the service After the service After Sunday Pick a spokesperson and let’s share ideas