Is it okay that I helped a visitor?

When was the last time you were a 1st time visitor in a church where you

• showed up uninvited
• knew absolutely no one,
• had never been in the building before?

For most of you, it's probably been a while. At our church this happens on a weekly basis!! Praise the Lord!! Last week we had nine families visit the children's ministry for the first time, NINE!! That's a lot of visitors! It made me wonder, "What do we do to make our visitors feel welcome?" So, I looked around and I noticed the following things;

• We have a greeter who not only welcomes visitors to the children's building, they also hold the door open for them! This says we notice you and we want to get to know you!! (I'm glad you are here)
  
• We have a clearly marked check in area specifically for visitors that always has a volunteer ready and willing to help! That might not seem like a big deal, but it is!! Visitors don't want to wait in a long line and then find out they will hold up that same line by filling out a visitor information sheet. We have taken a little bit of that stress off of them by having a separate area just for them!! (Quick and easy check in)
  
• We have a volunteer whose main responsibility is to take each visiting family to their child's classroom and introduces them to the team members serving their children. A guided tour?!?!? I believe this helps to calm a family's fears of "Where am I leaving my child and how do I find them when service is done?" (We value your feelings)
• That same volunteer then escorts the parents to the sanctuary or big church as we call it!! Visitors might not have any idea where they are supposed to go, they have never been here before! By walking with them, some of their anxiety might be lifted. (YOU and your children matter)

I feel incredibly blessed that our team cares so much about the families God has entrusted us with! Whether they are first time guests or regular attenders, I believe the children's ministry team does a great job of making everyone feel welcomed and loved!

This past Sunday, I noticed one of our amazing check in leaders go the extra mile for a visitor. Because there was already a family at the visitors area, another visiting family went up to the regular check in area. The team member could have said; "you can check in over there at the visitors area," but instead she said; "sure, I can help you here!" She proceeded to register the family, check them in, give them the tour and then led them to the sanctuary. When she returned, she looked up at me with big eyes and said; "Is it okay that I left my check in area to help them?" I can honestly tell you that I was so blessed by her servant heart that all I could do was hug her and say "Of course!"

Like I said, we have an amazing team that does a great job of making everyone feel welcomed and loved! Thank you unnamed team member for going above and beyond and being Jesus with skin to this family!! (I told her I would keep her anonymous)

Faith, Hope & Love!