Currently at Calvary Assembly of God, we make it look like our guests just came from McD’s.

During the service, we pause and ask our guests to raise a hand. Our ushers then give them a guest packet. The guest packet contains some print material (guest book, calendar, map, weekly bulletin, and pen) in a bright yellow bag. This serves two purposes. The first purpose being the bright yellow bag that draws attention to them so our regular attendees can know to say hi, make them feel welcome, and answer any questions. The second being that it guarantees that they are given a guest book which contains information on ministries, groups, classes, etc.

But we are rethinking this.

Do we need the bright yellow bag? Do we even need to hand them anything?

How will we get them information on our church? Do we need to make sure they get it, or in today’s culture are they finding it other places?

So I was assigned to survey other churches.

How do you handle recognizing guests?

Do you make sure they receive print material or it it available at a Help / Welcome Center?

How do your regular attendees know who the guests are?

Leave a response in the comments, please. I am looking for lots of feedback here.