tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20587008.post5643782490194614371..comments2024-01-25T03:56:02.403-08:00Comments on Presbyterian Bloggers: Question for the Community: First Time VisitorsMirandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16380861596539183040noreply@blogger.comBlogger7125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20587008.post-26634909354369055562009-03-24T07:44:00.000-07:002009-03-24T07:44:00.000-07:00"Visitor "retention" is only partly about the past..."Visitor "retention" is only partly about the pastor's contact, and also partly about feeling comfortable with a congregation."<BR/><BR/>So true! I love our "Ambassadors" program because it does just that - and is led by and composed of laity.Sarahlynnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13658866017847046987noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20587008.post-28403004140541485312009-03-24T07:12:00.000-07:002009-03-24T07:12:00.000-07:00I am a pastor and don't make physical visits to ev...I am a pastor and don't make physical visits to every visitor. I have to say I never thought of that or even considered it. It's rolling around in my brain now. On Monday morning I do get the Friendship Register, though, and write hand-written notes to all first time visitors. If I didn't get to meet them after worship (sometimes my handshaking time gets monopolized by members or chatty visitors) I ask them to be sure to introduce themselves after worship the next time they come so I can put a name to a face. I haven't had anyone NOT do that on their second visit. Usually I'm able to beat them to it, though. <BR/><BR/>After someone has visited a few times I write another note and/or call. As others have mentioned I think it helps IMMENSELY to try to connect them to someone else in the congregation with a common interest. Visitor "retention" is only partly about the pastor's contact, and also partly about feeling comfortable with a congregation. I don't want to be the only person who knows visitors or new members. I am only one person, and I am bound to drop the ball if I am the only one doing this. Also if that person should, down the line, decide to join our church, it almost creates a church within a church to have new members only know me, the newish (14 month) pastor.Stephaniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06719153477558047286noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20587008.post-25963039409672656942009-03-22T21:32:00.000-07:002009-03-22T21:32:00.000-07:00When we started attending our current church home,...When we started attending our current church home, there were about 2000 members on the books and the senior pastor had been there under 2 years. Nonetheless, he shook our hands the second time we visited, remarked on our return, and noted that he didn't recognize us (mentioning that he was new in case we were inactive members who might be offended). He also asked our names, and remembered them. That was many years ago, and we still recall that pastor - who has long since moved on in his career - fondly.<BR/><BR/>As for what I do now, my family and I serve as "Ambassadors," wearing name tags and trying to welcome newcomers, visitors, and everyone else we encounter. We also fill in all our information in the "Ritual of Friendship" pad even though of course the church already has it, to set an example for others down the row.<BR/><BR/>Our church has a (poorly located, in my opinion) welcome center. We also do follow up calls, mailings, and mugs. I still think we should give two mugs, though, so that visiting couples have a matched set!Sarahlynnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13658866017847046987noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20587008.post-24704166105144207112009-03-21T08:52:00.000-07:002009-03-21T08:52:00.000-07:00Reformed web site; please visit TheAmericanView.co...Reformed web site; please visit TheAmericanView.com. Thanks.<BR/><BR/>Comments To: JLof@aol.comJohn Lofton, Recovering Republicanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15687524008871521220noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20587008.post-7503278850154212242009-03-20T20:32:00.000-07:002009-03-20T20:32:00.000-07:00I agree with Stushie on the pastor remembering nam...I agree with Stushie on the pastor remembering names - it's very important.<BR/><BR/>Also important is sharing something in common with at least a couple people in the congregation. As an Elder I used to greet people before or after the service. If I found out that someone was a golfer, I would introduce them to someone else who was a golfer.<BR/><BR/>A few years after I started doing this it was estimated (by others) that I was the first person that the majority of the congregation first remember meeting at the church.<BR/><BR/>If I saw someone new hang around after church I would excuse myself and go talk with them - find out what brought them in, etc. Attendance was approaching 200, but I had been with the congregation from the time there were 60. And since my wife and I were very active we pretty much knew everyone.<BR/><BR/>In my current context we have quite a few return, but the total number isn't outstanding since we are in a small, rural context which is continuing to lose population. About a quarter have joined the congregation in the past 3.5 years, and quite a few associate with the congregation but don't join. There are a few friendly folks who make sure to meet anyone new who attends. And the Deacons take a batch of fresh cookies to them within 24 hours.DennisShttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15099379117467859558noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20587008.post-16905846185260428142009-03-20T09:15:00.000-07:002009-03-20T09:15:00.000-07:00One of the most successful ways of having visitors...One of the most successful ways of having visitors regularly return is getting the pastor to remember the names of first time visitors. <BR/><BR/>Each Sunday after church, I take time to recall the visitors who worshiped in the congregation that morning. I also stand at the door after the service and shake hands with them. I politely ask their names and thank them for being there. Throughout the following week, I visualize the handshake and recall their names.<BR/><BR/>Next time they come to church, I make a point of calling them by their first names. It is always delightfully surprising to them and makes the visitors feel very welcome. More often as not, this eventually leads to membership in the church.<BR/><BR/>I believe it is the duty of every pastor to know the names of members, their children, and visitors. We can store up to 500 names easily in our brains if we choose to practice it. I take this just as seriously as Christ did when He talked about the Shepherd knowing the names of every sheep.Stushiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10693178228505134028noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20587008.post-18250299829049667332009-03-20T07:29:00.000-07:002009-03-20T07:29:00.000-07:00Our visitor retention is probably around 50% over ...Our visitor retention is probably around 50% over the two years that I have paid attention. Here is what we do:<BR/><BR/>1 - Ask visitors to wear a name tag (they never do)<BR/>2 - Ask visitors to fill out the Friendship Pad (often do)<BR/>3 - Follow up email goes out on Monday.<BR/>4 - Follow up card goes out Tuesday.<BR/>5 - At some point there is often a call, if a phone number was left.Rob Monroehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15213481414668281312noreply@blogger.com