What Message is Your Church Sending?

Studies indicate that first-time visitors will decide within the first 10 minutes whether to return to a church. Here are several areas where a church should make sure it's sending the right message:

WEB SITE - Your Web site is the front door to your church. It should be attractive, provide helpful content and be updated regularly.

SIGNAGE - Too many church signs are inadvertantly saying things the church never intended. A sign should be attractive, and clearly communicate who you are and when you meet. See various sign styles at http://www.stewartsigns.com/church-signs.php

BUILDINGS & PROPERTIES - The attention you pay to the appearance of the church grounds and the exterior of the building transmits unmistakable messages.

DÉCOR - Décor sets a tone. Make sure your church's décor is warm and current in style. Be careful about outlandish decorations, but don't make it too cold either.

GREETERS - How a greeter treats visitors is a huge factor in determining what their future relationship with the church will be. Every opportunity for a handshake and a smile sets the tone for the visit. Every missed opportunity diminishes their chances of returning.

PRINTED PIECES - Printed pieces may include the weekly bulletin, flyers and newspaper ads. Be consistent in design/message. Have contemporary, relevant materials that show your style and vision. For high quality brochures that communicate AG beliefs/practices, visit www.ag.org/opr and look for the "AG Resources" link.