Dear Friends,
A while back I wrote a post about welcoming guests that generated a lot of discussions. I continue to reflect on this topic and wanted to share with you some thoughts about welcoming guests.
A little-known fact about me. I greatly dislike, even loathe, the guest or visitor parking spaces at church. I find these to be one step below asking visitors to raise their hands in the service. It is like putting a giant bullseye on guests that says, “Fresh meat! Come get them for the nursery before the youth department does.”
I know there are church growth books that say you should have such things. But they are wrong.
Why don’t I like these spaces?
First, as already mentioned, it singles out guests who may not want to be singled out. But you say, “those guests don’t have to park there.” True, but I believe, the existence of the spaces creates the culture and expectation of being singled out, even if they aren’t.
Second, it says a lot about how open and welcoming a church really is to guests. The message I hear being spoken when I see these spaces is that guests would not be welcome in our church if we were not made to create a place for them.
What’s the alternative? Be a community that it is so welcoming of guests it naturally leaves the best parking places open, even without the signs.
Want to take it one step further? I have a challenge for you. The next time you are at your church take a moment, stand in the parking lot and ask yourself: “What is the worst spot in this parking lot to park in?” Whatever that spot is, park there. If you park there your guests won’t be able to and they will have to park in the good spots.
It’s that simple and you don’t have to pay to have signs printed or special stripes painted.
What do you think? Do you have other strategies we can use to welcome guests naturally?
Blessings,
Stephen