I visit a lot of churches in my work and a few weeks ago, during a visit to Shepherd Church in Los Angeles, led by pastor Dudley Rutherford, I was reminded of just how important the volunteer team is in your church parking lot.
Shepherd is a popular church in Los Angeles, and parking is a real problem (but a good problem to have), and here’s what I noticed on that Sunday:
– First of all, the parking crew was really good at the job. They helped us navigate into the lot and park quickly. That immediately makes an impression on new visitors.
– Second, they were incredibly excited that we were there! I didn’t pass a single parking person who failed to welcome me – even when they were busy directing other cars. Plus, they were telling us about the sermon series Dudley was about to preach, and getting people ready before they even entered the building.
– Third, they had fun, and it was contagious. I saw a few grumpy visitors walking in, but as soon as they passed a parking lot attendant they brightened right up.
– Last, they were just as motivating when we left. They were wishing people well, thanking them for visiting, and creating a great send off.
Remember that we live in an 8 second world, and first impressions are critical. In that context, whether you have one person or a multi-person team helping in the parking lot, they’re the first contact new visitors will receive.
In fact, first impressions are so important in today’s culture, training, encouraging, and inspiring the team parking cars, could be one of the most important ministries of the church!
This article originally appeared on PhilCooke.com and is reposted here by permission.
