You only get one chance to make a first impression. That’s true on a first date, in advertising and even in church. When people walk through the doors of your church, what is their first impression? The answer may determine the health and growth of your organization.

Greeters, parking lot attendants and even ushers have a responsibility to put their best foot forward and ensure a great first impression. Here are seven ways they can make first impressions that help advance your church’s mission:

1. Make People Feel Welcome

You may not appreciate this until you’ve been to a place that is unwelcoming. It would feel strange to visit a church and not have someone at the door saying “Hello,” smiling and shaking your hand. Make sure each person who crosses your threshold feels welcome.

2. Retain Visitors

People are likely to make up their minds about a place within the first minute of entering. Take some time to look at your church’s first impression team. How well are they doing? If you were a first-time guest, would you come back? If the answer is no, make some changes.

3. Advertise to Passersby

Each week, people who don’t attend church will drive by your church. What do they see? If they see greeters in the parking lot smiling, waving at guests, and holding signs that tell people they’re welcome, they may just decide to stop in. First impressions are a great way to attract those who may not even think about attending church.

People are likely to make up their minds about a place within the first minute of entering.

4. Reinforce That You Care

A lot of people come to church with preconceived ideas, some of them negative. When someone encounters a caring, loving, friendly face as they enter your church, you have the opportunity to shatter any negative concepts that person has about church. Simply showing that you care can make all the difference.

5. Offer Help

Some people who come to your church are in need. They may be looking for a handout or just need some food to get them by. Empowering your first impression team to offer help can provide a new dimension to your benevolence ministry.

6. Demonstrate a Safe and Secure Environment

The first impression your greeters provide, the location of your doors, and the layout of your lobby can show how much you care about safety. This isn’t about posting armed guards. But you can make sure exits are clearly marked and greeters are trained to answer questions, provide directions and help visitors feel comfortable.

7. Prepare People to Worship

Psalm 122:1 says, “I rejoiced with those who said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord.’” Your greeters set the mood for the rest of the service. If the first thing people encounter are committed volunteers offering a smile and a friendly attitude, your guests can be primed to experience God in your worship service.

How much effort you put into your first impression team members will determine their effectiveness. Don’t think of greeters, parking lot attendants and ushers as necessary spots to fill. See them for the front-line ministers they are!