The examples you give from your experience are concerning. Those that are trying to pay attention to the guest welcome, do so in a haphazard manner. The remaining ones, suggest that guests should be able to follow the crowd. The problem is that guests will usually arrive on time or before the start of the service. To find the crowd you need to follow, you need to arrive late.
Sam, thank you for your response and insights. Congregations are woefully inadequate in how they welcome new people. It is a constant struggle to keep a sharp edge on hospitality. I hope to continue to advocate for exceptional hospitality, first impressions, and guest services during this mentoring stage of my life's ministry.
The examples you give from your experience are concerning. Those that are trying to pay attention to the guest welcome, do so in a haphazard manner. The remaining ones, suggest that guests should be able to follow the crowd. The problem is that guests will usually arrive on time or before the start of the service. To find the crowd you need to follow, you need to arrive late.
Sam, thank you for your response and insights. Congregations are woefully inadequate in how they welcome new people. It is a constant struggle to keep a sharp edge on hospitality. I hope to continue to advocate for exceptional hospitality, first impressions, and guest services during this mentoring stage of my life's ministry.
our mutual friend, Greg Atkinson, has insights on this as well.