Sunday Church Host Shows Successes in Welcoming Newcomers

Caption: Thomas Risley Church’s Synod Representative, Lynne Deason

Many churches consider ways to increase their congregations, become more welcoming and assist people in wanting to stay. Thomas Risley has appointed a Sunday Church Host to help support this work and they are already seeing many successes.

Thomas Risley Church’s Synod Representative, Lynne Deason, explains this new role:

“We all know how nerve racking the first step of coming to a service can be, so it was decided to have someone welcoming on the worship centre door.

“My role is to greet and welcome people to Thomas Risley, tell them my name and where I fit in, ask their name and find out where they would like to sit. I also ask if they wish me to remain with them throughout the service and inform them about the day’s service, the name of the person taking it, and how all hymns and bible readings come up on the front wall. I also let them know that there is tea and coffee after the service and a chance to ask any questions.

“I have a small booklet of the history of the Thomas Risley church and some information leaflets about the church, website address and activities and groups with details that I can give to them.

Later on, I can give out leaflets if they want to become a church member and fill out the database form with their information.

“I think by making people feel special, wanted and valued with a good first time experience they are likely to come back again.

 “So far, we’ve had some excellent feedback. It is vital that we have the support of the congregation as they are the future church family.”

 Church member Kathryn Hayward commented on how she found the experience:

“Lynne came to us and with her warm welcome told us how good it was to have us at church. Telling us a little about dress, seating ( wherever we wanted) and other details, we found her help made us feel like we weren't strangers, and we could relax and enter the service.

“Since then, Lynne's faithfulness to her hostess position has been a great benefit to TR. Every visitor receives the same considerate and friendly welcome,  and quite often if a person comes on their own, she will sit next to them and make sure there was nothing they felt unsure of. 

“We decided that TR was the spiritual home we wanted and have since become members. Thank you, God, for your humble and willing servant in Lynne Deason.”

Read more about Thomas Risley Church:

Welcome to Thomas Risley Church, Birchwood, Warrington