Rainer on Leadership The Big Front Door for Guests Just About Every Church Misses
Sep 22, 2025
Many unchurched individuals believe churches are great for making friends but feel intimidated attending alone. A personal escort and genuine invitation can ease that anxiety. The focus should shift from institutional to relational, fostering connections that lead to faith. Hospitality teams need to prioritize emotional comfort, recognizing guests may be vulnerable. Ultimately, building friendships is essential before discussing conversion. This approach can significantly open doors for meaningful gospel conversations.
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Friendship Is A Missed Front Door
- Over half of the unchurched see church as a place to make friends but find it too intimidating to visit alone.
- That gap represents a large opportunity for churches to lower barriers with relational outreach.
Walk In And Sit With New Guests
- When you invite someone to church, walk into the building with them and sit with them so they aren't intimidated or lost.
- Escorting new guests provides hospitality and emotional safety that increases the chance they stay.
Prioritize Relational Culture Over Institution
- Make your church culture relational rather than purely institutional so relationships, not systems, draw people in.
- Use plain language and personal connection in announcements and communications to welcome newcomers.
