welcoming visitors

Now Is the Time

Top 10 Things You Can Do to Welcome Visitors

Facts about Seekers in Our Congregations

Studies show that those who enter our doors as seekers are looking for

• Stability.• A place that feels like “home.”• A place to be personally recognized

and welcomed.

10. First Time Visitors Page

Answers to Visitors’ FAQs

• How do I get to the church?• Where can I park?• What are your services like?• What happens during Fellowship Hour?• Do you have child care and classes for

children and teens?• What if I have trouble hearing, seeing,

and/or getting around?• Where can I find out more information

about what's going on this Sunday?• Are there classes for newcomers?

9. Parking

Reserve Some Spaces for Visitors

8. Put Out the Welcome Mat

Hang a “Welcome Friends” banner outside the main entrance or inside

the foyer

7. Facilities Audit

• Exterior Signs• Grounds• Parking• Building Entry• Interior Signs• Worship Area

Facilities Audit

• Religious Education Area• Social Area• Kitchen• Rest Rooms• Offices• Bulletin Boards

6. Guest Form in Pews

5. Guest Survey

4. Stock Up on Brochures

Becoming a Member

What it means to join a congregation

The Flaming Chalice

History and significance of the chalice

Unitarian Universalist Origins

Overview of European and North American UU history

We Are Unitarian Universalists

An introduction to what we believe and celebrate

Welcome to Unitarian Universalism

A Community of Truth, Service, Holiness and Love

Our Unitarian Universalist Faith

Frequently Asked Questions

3. Offer a Newcomers Class

A Chosen FaithConsider Using the Seven-Session

OutlineAvailable from Beacon Press

2. Greet Visitors Thoughtfully

• Use "phantom greeters," regular attendees who like to talk to people and are knowledgeable about the church.

• They do not identify themselves as part of a greeting program, but simply as members when they approach newcomers.

1. Go Through 100+ Ideas

Choose a handful you can do right away:• Appoint someone to be responsible for

following up on all visitors.• Assign "buddies" to every visitor. • Make regular announcements

regarding how one becomes a member.• Take time in the service to joyfully

welcome all visitors.

Online Resources

Online Resources

The Membership Journey