This last Sunday, I got to do something I rarely get to do; be a visitor at church. The talk at the Lord’s table, prayers, songs, and sermon were all encouraging, and there was a good crowd. I happen to catch the beginning of a sermon series on Immanuel from Isaiah. I hope to be able to listen to the remaining lesson when I get back home.

Since I was a visitor this past Sunday, I got to thinking about worship from a visitor’s perspective and what would be some things congregations can do to make visitors feel welcomed and help them quickly understand what is going on during a worship service.

Here are a few things I thought of:

Be Friendly and Welcoming. I have read and heard it said that you make your first impression within ten seconds of a visitor walking through your doors (this is also true for businesses, restaurants, schools, etc.). So, how long does it take for a congregation to welcome its visitors? Ideally, a congregation would have ushers or welcomes who make it their job to guide visitors. Help them find a seat, get a welcome packet, get to know them, and offer to sit with them if they’re alone.

Explain the Significance of Each Element of Worship. I do not mean a long talk about each element—just a simple comment about what is happening in worship. For example, whoever is giving the Lord’s Table talk should explain the why of the Supper. Sadly, I have visited places where the men at the table said about the Lord’s Supper. Men got up in silence, served it in silence, and sat down…. in silence. That is not how we help visitors understand the importance of Jesus and not how His followers should remember Him.

Use Understandable Language. Building off of the last point. Use language that a visitor would understand in our table talks, prayers, and announcements. While I could point out numerous examples of confusing language to visitors, I think we will do well in this area if we keep in mind two things. They are; the way you talk in conversation should be the way you talk when you participate in the worship service, and ask yourself how you would explain this to someone who isn’t a Christian.

Have Triple C Preaching. What do I mean by “triple C preaching”? Triple C stands for Clear, Concise, and Correct. Clear preaching is understandable. Concise preaching is rememberable. And, Correct preaching is soul-saving. If a visitor, or Christian, has wondered what’s the point, there’s something wrong (and I speak from humbling personal experience here).

Don’t Forget Them. After the service is over, don’t forget about the visitors! Make it a point to get back to them and get to know them better.

We live in a time when most people have little to no knowledge about God and His word. Instead of lamenting this fact, we should see it as a fantastic opportunity! If we get someone who has decided to visit our assembly for the first time, or second, or third, we want to do everything we can to make that experience a good one so that they continue to want to seek God.