To See Ourselves As Others Do

What is it like for a newcomer to walk into the doors of our sanctuary and worship with us for the very first time? The church feels warm and friendly to us – but is it just an assumption that it feels that way to others, too?

 

  Opportunities to equip congregations

UPCOMING THEME-CONNECTED EVENTS (hit link for details)

• Daughter Church Planting – January 27-28, 2012

 

 First impressions matter

SEEING OUR BUILDING AS OTHERS DO Workshop Resources

• “Seeing Our Building” Slide Presentation (large ppt file) - from workshop presented by the Rev. Douglas Jones during the Fall Session of the 2011 Metro D.C. Synod Assembly
  • “Seeing Our Building” slide printout (pdf file) – 38 pages
• Sample Facility Survey (doc file) – Use this tool to gain some insight on what visitors to your church notice.

 

 Event follow-up

Secret Visitor Training Event Materials
Held May 14, 2011, the Secret Visitor Training Event seeded participants with a way to expand their capacity “to see themselves as others do.”

Within the first 10 minutes of being there, 70% of people make up their mind about whether or not they’re coming back to your church… BEFORE the pastor ever gets up to preach! George Barna said this in 1994. Today, guests will make up their mind about your church in the first 4 to 8 minutes. That means that FIRST IMPRESSIONS are critical.All are welcome to these helpful resources.

• Secret Visitor Guidelines (doc file)
• Secret Visitor Report (doc file)

 

 Additional ideas

More Ways to Focus on Hospitality in 2011

• Request a visit from a young adult to your congregations worship services for gentle feedback (wait listed
• Plan your own “secret visitor initiative” at your congregation
       →  Here’s a Hospitality Checklist (doc file) – to help you develop your own “secret visitor initiative”

Use this form to request info (doc file) from the Rev. Phil Hirsch – phirschmetrodcelca.org or 202-822-1901.

 

  Bishop’s comments

Introduction to 2011 Theme by Bishop

Bishop Graham introduced our theme for 2011 during the synod-wide Together in Mission Event in January. Read excerpts of his sermon - “Surprise in Community of Welcome.”