We all know “churchy” language can be alienating to visitors — as Joy Qualls says, “Church language can be downright strange.” However, while we recognize phrases like “washed in the blood” are confusing for the unchurched, we often don’t think of the smaller nuances we’re communicating to visitors — who may or may not already be believers. For instance, new folks won’t know your unique names for different rooms, youth or children’s ministry. J. Melvyn Ming, author of “Helping Outsiders Become Insiders” suggests three simple shifts you can make to communicate a big, welcoming message:

Change your vocabulary from visitors to guests. A visitor is an outsider who comes for a short time to check you out. A guest is a special person who is warmly received and shown hospitality. 

Change your vocabulary from greeters to hosts. A greeter is someone who officially welcomes you but you rarely develop relationships with. A host is someone who makes you feel at home and facilitates your acceptance by helping you develop relationships. 

Change your vocabulary from Information Center to Welcome Center. An Information Center is somewhat impersonal and only provides facts. A Welcome Center seeks to help you find the things you want and encourages you to make yourself at home.

For more practical ideas on how to attract and retain new members, see “Helping Outsiders Become Insiders.”