4 Keys to Great Guest Services ~ RELEVANT CHILDREN’S MINISTRY

There are four keys
to having great guest services. Let’s
look at these four keys and how to apply them to your ministry.  Below is a tool that was created for this
strategy.  You can work through this with your team to craft a great
experience for your guests.  The more of the four elements you can meet,
the better the chance they will return.  I’ve listed some examples
under each one.  You’ll want to come up with your own lists which reflect
your unique culture and church situation.

NEEDS

Identify and list the basic needs your first-time guests have. These are
the bare minimums that you should provide people with.  Here are some suggestions.  In the blanks below, write other needs guests
may have.

• get their kids signed in

• be shown where to go

• know pick-up procedures

Steps to accomplish:

• have an easy, clear check-in
  process for new families

• have clear signage

• explain pick-up procedures

• _________________________

• _________________________

• _________________________

 

PRECONCEIVED STEREOTYPES

Identify the negative, preconceived ideas people may have when they walk in the
door.  How can you overcome these?

• churches are judgmental

• churches are boring

• churches aren’t friendly places

• churches only want my money

• no one will really care about me
  and my family

• _____________________________

• _____________________________

• _____________________________

Steps to accomplish:

• place friendly people on your
  greeter team

• make it clear giving is for
  members and not guests

• have an exciting service that
  will engage kids and parents

• _____________________________

• _____________________________

• _____________________________

   

EMOTIONS

Emotions are often more powerful than logic when it comes to decisions. 
What emotions do you want people to experience?  How can you create an
environment that fosters these emotions?

• comfortable

• welcomed

• accepted

• secure

• honored

• __________________________

• __________________________

• __________________________

Steps to accomplish:

• have greeters that represent all
  seasons of life

• place people as greeters who know
  how to make guests feel comfortable

• train greeter team what to say
  and not to say

• give parents a pager and let them
  know you will connect with them if there are any issues

• _______________________

• _______________________

• _______________________

 

WANTS

This is an
opportunity to create the “wow” factor by going above and beyond the
needs that people are expecting you to meet.  When you provide this, you
differentiate yourself and give families more reason to return.

• great parking spot

• greeted at door

• quick service

• walked to classroom

• someone to take a personal
  interest in them

• _______________________

• _______________________

• _______________________

Steps to accomplish:

• have guest parking spots near the
  door

• have greeters at every door

• have a separate check-in area for
  guests

• always walk people to their room

• find out something about their
  family and mention it in a handwritten thank you note

• _______________________

• _______________________

• _______________________ 

   

  

  
  This is an excerpt from my newest book – “Be Our Church Guest.”  This book will help you create a great first impression with your guests and help you see many of them return and become a part of your church. You can order your copy at this link.