Podcast Episode #236

Discuss an article by Art Rainer on how to make a poor first impression and apply it to churches. Impassioned discussions on proper handshake etiquette and hugs are also included.

Some highlights from today's episode include:

• Church members are often friendly...to the people they already know.
• Don't wait for a guest to ask a question. If you see they need help, help them.
• People want to know you are interested in them when they visit your church.
• Relationships are the #1 thing that brings people to a church, keeps them, and gets them involved.
• When you meet a new guest at church, it is a time to listen to them, not debate with them.
• Not everyone is a hugger.

The nine ways churches can make a terrible first impression are:

• Wait for them to approach you.
• Make your handshake at weak as possible (or as strong as possible).
• Avoid eye contact. Instead, look at their eyes.
• Don’t use the other person’s name.
• Talk about your successes a lot.
• Act bored when they talk.
• Whenever possible, vehemently disagree with them.
• Don’t crack a smile.
• Don’t say goodbye.

Episode Sponsors
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Feedback
If you have a question you would like answered on the show, fill out the form on the podcast page here on Church Answers.

Resources

• Search by William Vanderbloemen
• Nine Ways to Make a Terrible First Impression by Art Rainer
• Secret Guest Survey