Years ago, a commercial stated that you never get a second chance to make a first impression. That is especially true in the church. If our church is to make a positive first impression and encourage visitors to come a second time, we must ask ourselves what is necessary for visitors to experience during their initial visit to church.

Most people visiting a church for the first time are looking for friends and community. As they approach and enter the church, they are observing those present and asking themselves if these are people they would like to have as friends and support.

The response of those present to the visitors often will determine if they will return to the church for a second visit. This initial impression can occur in as little as the first ninety seconds. We need to understand that by doing a few simple things each week we can make a good first impression and insure that the majority of first-time visitors will return a second time.

Here are some things you can do to make a good first impression:

• Wear a name tag. Let others know who you are.
• Greet someone with whom you are not acquainted. Make this a priority.
• If you see someone struggling with the order of service, assist them.
• Invite visitors to coffee following the service.
• Introduce visitors to others.
• Invite visitors to come back the following week. Remember their names. Greet them by name.
• Speak enthusiastically of the church and the diocese.

These are a few things all of us can do to create and maintain a visitor-friendly environment at Saint Matthew's. Please remember that a visitor's first impression can be established in as little as ninety seconds. Let us work together to make the first impression a visitor has of Saint Matthew's be one that is positive.