Going to church can be challenging. We live in a time when church attendance is down — and looked down upon by some.

Expressions of faith, including participation in weekly worship services, can draw scorn. And many who got in the habit of staying home during the pandemic still haven’t returned.

Perhaps more than ever, caring for those who visit your church is vital. Visitors are taking a risk by going against the flow of culture. Their simple act of attending a worship service is an act of courage. Congregations need to respond to them with respect, care and attentiveness.

Leaders and members need to be intentional about welcoming visitors, making sure each one feels noticed, greeted and comfortable.

As a layperson who has made several cross-country moves, I have visited a lot of churches through the years. In fact, my wife and I recently relocated and are searching for a new church home again.

Sometimes our guest experience has been great. Other times, there has certainly been room for improvement.

From what we’ve learned, there are five key ingredients when it comes to welcoming visitors well.

1. Signage

Good signage inside and outside the church is essential. Where should people park? Which of several entrance options is the right one?

Once inside the building, where do newcomers go? Where are the restrooms? Where can they take their children? Is there a place to get a cup of coffee?

My wife and I once visited a church where it was unclear which door was the main entrance. We waited in the parking lot and watched to see where others went. Once we determined which door was the right one, we stepped inside — only to discover steps going up and down to closed, unmarked doors. I felt like I was in an M.C. Escher print!

Another church we visited met in a local school. Large parking lots surrounded the building, and there was more than one entrance from multiple streets. One small sign by the door showed people where to enter, but it wasn’t visible from the street.

The situation was so confusing we wondered whether we were even at the right location. A few simple, removable lawn signs would have been sufficient to point us in the right direction.

2. Greetings

When newcomers visit, be sure they receive an in-person welcome. Always ask for names — and introduce yourself.

Show interest in them, but also give them space. Pay attention to visitors’ personalities and body language so you can respond to them appropriately. Introverts probably won’t be interested in a lengthy conversation, so you may need to pull back a little.

We once visited a church where everyone seemed friendly, but no one offered a personal introduction. People shook hands, smiled, and said “good morning” before quickly moving on.

Ironically, there were a couple of people in the parking lot holding signs saying they were glad to see us. But once we entered the doors, we weren’t sure anyone was actually interested in us.

In many churches we’ve walked into, no one even acknowledged us. Everyone was too busy chatting in groups with friends.

Often, there seems to be an expectation that if you’re new, you will figure out where the welcome table is, push through the gauntlet of regulars, and introduce yourself. Don’t count on it.

3. Information

Consider having an information sheet or booklet you can put in the hands of visitors. List basic information about the general order of worship, where the restrooms are located, how long the service lasts, where to check in infants and children, and so on. A map of the building is a definite plus.

When newcomers visit, be sure they receive an in-person welcome.

Put yourself in a visitor’s shoes. Imagine being new to your church and not knowing anything about the facility, people or activities. Then put what you would want to know in the pamphlet.

Ask the newest members in your church what they wish they had known when they first visited. What’s obvious to you won’t be obvious to everyone.

All this information and more should also be on your website, of course. But providing a print version when people walk in is a considerate touch.

4. Explanations

As the service progresses, explain from the platform what is going on. If it’s time to pray or take up an offering, say so. Briefly describe what will happen and how people should participate.

Explanations are also important during special moments, such as Communion. Some people have never taken Communion and won’t know what it is. Others come from church backgrounds with different Communion traditions, so it’s helpful to explain how you do it and the expectations for participants.

Even how you collect the offering can cause consternation. We were visitors once in a church that passed colorful buckets. As the ushers reached our row, a woman next to me — also a visitor — asked what was happening. She found the passing of offering buckets confusing.

Keep in mind that every church does things differently. Even if visitors have been in church before, that doesn’t mean they are familiar with your church’s traditions and practices.

Those who have never attended a church — and there are many in this category — may feel especially uneasy. Do everything you can to help them navigate this new experience so they don’t feel lost or stupid.

You might be surprised how many of your regular attendees would appreciate a few simple reminders and explanations as well.

5. Decorum

This is a fancy word for being nice. Churches are like families. There’s a lot of love and at least a little bit of irritation happening.

While it’s OK to act naturally, a worship service is a time to set aside grievances and pettiness. Be authentic, but don’t be rude. Live out the gospel of forgiveness, patience and forbearance.

Visitors are quick to pick up on tensions and jealousies. Both are a huge turn-off that can keep guests from coming back.

One church we attended was having challenges with the sound system. More than once, the pastor stopped his sermon to ask for an adjustment in volume. When he had to ask a second time, he was gruff about it.

On at least a couple of occasions, this pastor lost his patience entirely, spoke harshly to the sound person, and even headed back to the soundboard to make his own adjustments. The discomfort in the room was palpable.

During one of those awkward moments, a family was visiting that filled an entire pew. That family never returned.

Final Thoughts

Welcoming visitors well is not complicated. Be caring, and show them respect. Value the effort they are expending to be in church. Acknowledge their initiative and desire to gather with the people of God. And be humbled that of all the churches in the area, they chose yours to visit.

If you exhibit good and ample signage, greet visitors warmly in person, provide clear information about the facility and amenities, explain what’s happening as the service unfolds, and cover all you do with love and respect, most visitors will feel welcomed well and plan another visit.