I’ve been thinking through how to make church more accessible to people who’ve never been before. A couple of recent posts have explored this topic, with more to come:

• It’s time to stop assuming people know
• Brainstorm: questions and quotes to engage passers-by
• 8 posters to engage people new to church

After I wrote the content, our designer created 8 posters that are now printed and in the church noticeboard, and in the A1 snap frames we lean against the fence outside the church. For example:

I wrote the content for this poster with a particular person in mind – someone who’s never been to church, and who is curious, but a little nervous about what actually happens. Let’s face it – many Christians are nervous going into a church different to their own – let’s spare a thought to those who’ve never been to church!

I wanted to provide these people with an insight into what happens and what their involvement should be. In the long term, I’d like to provide a very short, time-lapse video, that people can watch on our website to see for themselves what takes place in a normal service. Kind of like an orientation session.

Helping people know what to expect is just one way to love them. It’s one barrier we can remove to make church more accessible. It’s worth doing, isn’t it?

I like how Blue Sky Church has create a ‘what to expect section on their website’ (h/t Kiri), and how they’ve used photos and text to explain what newcomers should expect.

See the full details of ‘What to expect at Blue Sky Church’ here.

Question: what steps has your church taken to be more accessible to people who’ve never been to church before?

The video is a little cheesey, but the advice is well worth a view.

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I’m working on website content that will serve people who are thinking about coming to church, but don’t know anything about church. Here’s a couple of questions:

• What happens in church?
• What should I wear?
• How long?
• What demographics?
• Will I have to participate?
• Will I be asked questions?
• Do you sing?
• Why?
• Where should I park?
• How much does it cost?

Can you think of any others?

Yesterday I visited the City campus of Hillsong church.

Two things stood out to me about their approach to welcoming:

1. Multiple welcomes are good. As my friend and I walked off the street and into the foyer, 6 people welcomed us to church. The welcomers weren’t there to engage in conversation – but this simple phrase “welcome to church”, repeated by different people with a warm smile, was a significant way to start the gathering. It’s simple, but significant.
2. Clear signage is good. At the end of the service, the gospel was shared and people were encouraged to respond – this was great! The people who responded were given a Bible, but they were also told where to get a Bible – from the ‘Bible pick-up point’ – if they happened to miss out. In the foyer after the service, there were lots of signs (including a guy holding a sign above his head!) – pointing to the Bible pick-up point. The service leader explained that the best gift the church could give was the Bible, and they wanted people to get one. This wasn’t just said – their signage emphasised how important this is, and made it clear how to get a Bible.

Two questions to ponder:

1. Is everyone who arrives at your church welcomed by a smiling face?
2. Do you have signage that provides clear directions to what’s important?

I post this with the knowledge that some people will think this is unnecessary fluff, and a waste of money. I’m not into wasting money however, so why would I share this idea? I think we can make better use of the physical spaces at our church for several reasons:

1. The entrances and other spaces at our churches often aren’t that attractive or welcoming. They are messy and dated – we just don’t notice because we’re used to it! I wonder how what impression a visitor has of a church when the entrance to a church looks like a second-hand furniture store.
2. It’s difficult to communicate with people and reinforce messages. People are inundated with communications during the week. Church is a time when people come thinking about God, and God’s people (well, that’s the idea, anyway!). Using our time (and space) each weekend well – to communicate what needs to be communicated, seems like a good opportunity.

Below are some examples of the floor mats that can be placed at entrances to the church (or anywhere else you like).

This is an A1 floor mat – starting at $320 (for quantities of 1-5). There’s also a version that fits 4xA4 posters for $210.

This is an A1 wipe mat – starting at $452 (for quantities of 1-5). There’s also a version that fits 4xA4 posters, also for $452.

Find out more about these mats here.

Printed inserts (A1 posters cost $19 to print at Officeworks) and can be replaced as often as desired. These mats could be used to:

• Write a welcome message (We’re so glad you’re here!)
• Remind people where to pray with someone after church
• Invite people to an upcoming event
• Share the church mission statement
• Point out where to go for kids church
• Share an inspiring Bible verse

Question: how else do you think these mats could be used?