For the Chimes Newsletter
By Pastor Gary Lewis
The final five minutes in each worship service will be reserved for our guests. At a recent seminar, author and church assimilation expert Gary L. McIntosh said churches have found a “Five Minute rule” to be extremely helpful in welcoming visitors to church.
This is how it works: the five minute clock begins immediately after worship concludes. Your job is to find someone you don't know and welcome them to our church. Most of us spend this valuable time talking to someone we know.
Don’t know if they are guest or long-time attendee? There’s an easy fix. Plus, you will get to meet a new friend. Say this, “Hi, I’m (say your first name) I don’t believe we have met. (Then shake their hand.) How long have you been attending here?”
If they have only been attending a short time, say a word of welcome. For example, introduce them to someone else standing nearby you know. If they have been attending here a long time, then tell them it is great to meet them. Either way, you can’t lose.
So instead of finding someone familiar, spend five minutes looking for someone new. When the five minutes have concluded – then you are off the hook! McIntosh said many churches completely forget about guests AFTER the worship service ends. Many times, newcomers will want to leave quickly. This is why it is important everyone spends five minutes greeting others they may not know.
I will be reminding you from time-to-time by saying to you all “Remember the 5-minute rule.” This might serve as a conversation piece because someone might say “What is he talking about?” You’ll get to inform them on our little secret.
Please pray for our ministry of hospitality to those who visit us. We have had several people visit our worship services once and then disappear. I need your help to fix this problem. I believe our church has a lot to offer someone searching for a church home. Do you believe that is true? Then, join me in enforcing the “five minute rule” on Sunday morning!
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