Got Great Greeters?

First impressions are so important to our first time guests.

Most times these visitors walk into our church not sure where to begin especially if they have children. That is why it needs to be a priority to have a plan in place to greet them and do it well.

One of the best experiences we had as a family visiting a church was at Faith Promise here in Knoxville. We were met by a greeter as soon as we walked through the door. She was so welcoming and not only spoke to us, but also to our sons. She took us to a check in area designated specifically for first time guests and waited for us while we registered our youngest for children's ministry. She then guided us to the area where we would drop off our son and explained a bit about what he would be doing there. She also introduced us to his small group leader for the day who immediately greeted and interacted with him. She then took us to the place where we would pick him up after service and how that works. But it didn't stop there. She then escorted us to the sanctuary where we would be for service and helped us find seats as well. We were blown away by this greeter. We also knew that this wasn't out of the ordinary for this church. This is what they do for all first time guests and they do it with excellence.

Here are a few of the things I thought really spoke to that excellence:

• She immediately engaged us. We didn't have to stand and look around wondering where to go and what to do.
• She interacted with all of us. She made our children feel especially welcome as well as D and I.
• She explained everything. She told us about procedures and activities in the children's ministry.
• She connected us with the person who would be with our son. This immediately made us (and him) feel more at ease in leaving him there.
• She guided us through the whole experience. At no point did we feel like we weren't sure of what to do next and where we were going.

What does your first impressions experience look like?

Got great greeters?