• All Sites:
  • Pastors
  • Leadership
  • Kids Ministry
  • Student Ministry
  • Groups Ministry
  • Women's Ministry
  • Worship Ministry
Lifeway

Group Ministry

Conversations on Group Practices

  • Blog
  • Podcast
  • Bible Study Insider
  • Groups Resources
  • Free Bible Teaching
Group Leadership
October 29, 2014

Be Intentional with First Impressions

By Bruce Raley

First impressions are often lasting impressions. The manner in which first time guests are greeted and welcomed into your Bible study group has great influence on the decision to either join the group or return.

To create a positive first impression, every student and adult group should have a designated host or greeter for the group. Qualifications for this role include a warm smile, ability to converse with diverse people, and a willingness to connect guests with other group members.

Here are a few welcoming suggestions to try :

  1. Arrive early to insure room is inviting (extra chairs, clean, straightened, etc..)
  2. Remain close to door as people arrive.
  3. Warmly greet every person
  4. Encourage all to wear name tags.
  5. Spend time with each guest.
  6. Gather contact information for follow-up.
  7. Help the guest find a seat and introduce the guest to others.
  8. Provide study materials and preview the Bible study session with the guest.
  9. Introduce your guests to group leaders.
  10. Invite guests to the church’s worship service and next Sunday’s class.

Do you have a designated, trained group greeter (or host)? Who could serve in that role? Contact that person this week to meet and discuss this important role in ministry.


Bruce Raley is director of Church Partnerships with Lifeway Christian Resources. A native of Arkansas, he enjoys hunting, fishing, and traveling with Donna.

You may also like -

  • To Text or Not to Text: The Question of Staying in TouchTo Text or Not to Text: The Question of Staying in Touch
  • How to Frustrate a GuestHow to Frustrate a Guest
  • National Do Something Nice Day: Why Should Kindness Be Random?National Do Something Nice Day: Why Should Kindness Be Random?

Filed Under: Group Leadership Tagged With: Outreach, The Meeting

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Subscribe to Group Ministry

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

previous arrow
next arrow
Slider

Subscribe to Podcast

Google PodcastsAndroidby EmailRSS

Follow Group Ministry on Facebook

Follow Group Ministry on Facebook

All Ministry Sites

Leadership
Kids Ministry
Student Ministry
Groups Ministry
Women’s Ministry
Worship Ministry

Digital Resources

Ministry Grid
Lifeway Worship
Digital Church
KidEvent Pro
MyCurriculum Manager
Simulcast Manager
Lifeway Reader eBooks
Generosity
WORDsearch
SmallGroup.com

Lifeway Network

Lifeway Research
B&H

Copyright © 2021 · Lifeway Christian Resources · All Rights Reserved