From the president: 4 ways to welcome

Steve Browning

If we want to reach our communities, we must be ready for our communities to show up.”

The rain fell gently on my windshield as I pulled into the parking lot. Finding an open spot, I parked, opened my door, and stepped out onto the wet pavement. The weather was less than inviting, but I was about to experience a wonderful welcome.

As I looked across the parking lot, it was clear which door to enter. There was an obvious and inviting entrance. Inside the lobby, I was greeted by a small group of the friendliest people you could ever hope to meet. One person walked me over to a desk staffed with even more friendly faces. Everyone warmly welcomed me, asked where I was from, and offered to personally walk me wherever I needed to go. They were informed, helpful, and quick to answer my questions.

This kind of welcome is what you might expect at a resort or fancy hotel, but this wasn’t a weekend getaway. This was Sunday morning at Dudley Baptist Church in Dudley, Georgia. Located just outside Dublin, this growing congregation has been welcoming many new families and guests through their doors. Pastor Matt Greene has led his church to be prepared to welcome. They have a plan and they expect their community to show up.

Much has been said about bringing the gospel to our community, and that is vitally important. Jesus told us to “GO and make disciples.” But as we go and tell, we must be prepared for people to come and see.

Part of our evangelistic strategy must be a dedication to hospitality. Whether it’s someone coming back to church after decades away or a person who has never darkened the door of a sanctuary before, first impressions matter. In many ways, the first impression at our doors, parking lots, and kids’ environments will determine whether or not a guest is open to what the sermon has to say.

So how can our churches be prepared to welcome? There are many considerations, but here are just a few I observed during my visit to Dudley Baptist Church:

1. Have clear signage. Direct people into a specific entrance for first-time guests. Many churches, like the one I pastor, have 4–6 doors visible from the parking lot. Decide which entrance you want guests to use and clearly point them there. If you’re ready to go to the next level, consider having easily identifiable guest parking near that entrance.
2. Put your friendliest people at the doors. Choose those who are naturally warm, have a quick smile, and are comfortable starting conversations. Make sure they arrive 25–30 minutes before worship begins, since many guests show up early.
3. Create a welcome information area. Keep this space simple and focused on what guests need most, especially details about kids’ and next-generation ministries. Don’t overload it with every flyer and announcement.
4. Have volunteers ready to walk with guests. Our facilities may feel familiar to us, but they can be confusing to a first-time visitor. Giving directions is helpful, but personally walking with someone creates connection, encourages conversation, and ensures guests get where they need to go.

If we want to reach our communities, we must be ready for our communities to show up. Let’s make our churches the most welcoming places in town. When we do, we welcome people not only to a worship service, but to hear the hope that can only be found in Jesus Christ alone!

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Steve Browning is president of the Georgia Baptist Convention and lead pastor of First City Church in Alpharetta.