It has likely been quite a long time – perhaps decades or never – since most regular church goers have been a first-time guest in a worship service.  Most have forgotten the experience, what it feels like, and the discomfort associated with walking into an unknown space having no idea what kind of experience is ahead.

“Before they hear the first note of music, before they hear the first word of a sermon or before anyone stands up and says “welcome” in the service, most first-time guests have already made a conscious or subconscious decision about whether they’re coming back.”  Carey Nieuwhof (Podcast 132)

Having a positive first-time guest experience is absolutely critical for a church who wants to grow, thrive, and reach new people.  Yet, it is difficult for the ones already gathered as a congregation to accurately evaluate the experience a first-time guest might have since the congregants already have established relationships, connected into ministry areas, and become comfortable with the church culture.  It is not because churches don’t desire first-time guests to have a great first-time experiences –they indeed do – but they do not know how exactly to provide one nor know what first-time guests are expecting.

If your church is looking to improve hospitality, connection, and guest retention through onsite worship or virtual worship, contact us and share your desired goals and outcomes.  Impressions Unlimited will customize a package to best meet your needs.  Completely customized evaluations are also available.

Impressions Unlimited takes the mystery out of knowing what your church’s first-time guest experiences are and how to improve future first-time guest experiences to create more returning guest opportunities.