what is a good welcome to church visitors?

Question

I belong to a missionary baptist church and have to give the welcoming address to visitors Sunday.

Answer 1

My husband and I have yet to find a home church, partly because of the very thing you're asking for. Some churches embarrassed us my making us stand out. Some churches did not even know we were new. One church called us to thank us for coming, but the message was automated and did not even give us a chance to ask questions!
So you have to strike a medium ground. Visitors should be welcomed, first by someone in the lobby. They should be invited to sit with an influencial member. But this should all be done quietly; no name tags or special broadcasts.
Someone should ask them, what needs do they have of the church? Do they have children? Are they looking for marriage advice? A follow up visit, maybe invite them out for breakfast. Something to break the ice.
People don't want church to be some weekly pep rally. They want to really be involved, to make some friends, to feel like they belong there. And it should not be up to them to "jump in".

Answer 2

I have no idea. Whenever I'm a visitor at a church it's always nice when pastors/lay people welcome visitors and make visitors sound important/appreciated in the service. It's especially nice when people come up to me, introduce themselves, ask questions about me, and then tell me one or two things about themselves and their church. Not a lot of people approach visitors, which is a shame. Physically approaching me, a visitor, is more important to me than somehow announcing it in the service.

Answer 3

Do you want word-for-word? 'Cause it's been a while...

First of all, step into their shoes. What would you want to hear?

Second, what is usually done? Don't just adhere to the "expected" behavior, you have to be yourself. At the same time, you may feel uncomfortable if you are stepping too far out of the pale.

Third, whatever you do, do what feels natural. You are the face of your church at that point, and you're talking to strangers who may want to stick around. They won't if they feel like you're putting on a show.

Without knowing your church better, that the best I can do. Good luck!

Answer 4

I always like it when I visited other churches to be addressed on a more personal note. Just to say that you're glad they're visiting, ask them to maybe stand and give them a welcome gift, something small with some candies and something about the church, ask them if they have children, I like it more personal. But hey that's me lol

Answer 5

Tell them that you are glad that they are visiting here. Also tell them about why your church is called a certain name. You could say a little bit about what your church believes. If I were you, I would also say that they should not feel obligated to give money for offering. That's what I've heard my pastors do. Hope it helps. God Bless!

Answer 6

Hello,
We're glad you could join Missionary Baptist Church. We welcome you into His presence, and we hope that you enjoy...................... and so on. Just make sure you're friendly.

Answer 7

To all visitors, thank you for joining us in worship.

Answer 8

Just thank them for coming.

too much more and you may accidentally make too big a deal out of it, either embarrassing them, or making them feel pressured.

Answer 9

Hello and be sure to stay for our free lunch or pot luck dinner.

Answer 10

Welcome to your weekly brainwashing session! If this is your first time, the minister will be performing the labotomy shortly.