I want to discuss “seven deadly sins” that I have seen church planters make when starting their churches and that can have a profound impact on the experience a new visitor has and the health of your church. We have heard that if a person has a bad experience with your product, service, and yes – church, that they will tell at least 10 other people about it. If you draw in 250 people on your launch day and 30 think you suck…that’s a potential 300 people who will probably never visit your new church. Depending on your demographics and geographic location that can kill your church plant really quick! There are a lot of variables to consider and you can’t sweat all of them, but there are some suggestions that you need to consider and what I am calling the “the seven deadly sins” from a visitor’s perspective.

SIN #1: THE WELCOME

It is inconceivable but I have visited church plants who talk about being a “welcoming and loving church for everyone” only to enter their fortress of The Secret Handshake. This is where you walk in and you are only granted permission to enter the circle of trust if you know the secret handshake. If you don’t you are out. OK, maybe I am going overboard on my example but you NEED to make people feel like they are welcome in your church.

One reason church plant team’s drop the ball is that they can be notorious for setting up and making final preparations right before the service. They want the worship experience to be awesome. Let me tell you a secret: forget the worship experience. If a person doesn’t feel welcome you have lost them. You can preach the best sermon, have a tear-jerking media presentation, and even provide excellent coffee but if the visitor has been turned off before the service you have lost them!

Here are a few tips to consider:

• Don’t allow holy huddles: This can be a HUGE problem. People who know each-other flock together like geese. Break out the shotgun and scatter them!

• Don’t be tweaking 10 minutes before the service: This is hard considering many churches have to set-up and tear down each service. Develop a system that allows you to be ready half an hour before the service starts so you can welcome your guests.

• PLEASE don’t over-do the welcome!!! I have seen church plant teams swarm visitors like a bunch of used-car salesman. This will be uncomfortable for the visitor and truly appear insincere.

If a visitor feels like they are warmly welcomed and appreciated they will be forgiving if your worship service has glitches, but if they feel like they have been treated like a leper…forgiveness is going to be hard to get. Do everything you can in your control to ensure the best possible outcome – it will go a long way for your brand, for your marketing, and the buzz about your church.