First Impressions

We've all heard that first impressions are important. Within the first 90 seconds of encountering someone (or something) new, we make tons of assumptions about that person/place/organization. Be it the way someone is dressed, the curb appeal of a house, the parking lot of a mall, we all make very specific conclusions about those things. We do judge books by their covers. It is human nature. Presentation is critical.

The question that I want to focus on is, 'What is the first point of contact for most churches?' Where do people get their first impression of a church...of your church?

Many would suggest as they walk in the door and are met by the greeters shaking their hand. Are they smiling? How many perople are here? Is the facility clean? Or how about as they pull into the parking lot? Is the property well maintained? Is it easy to find a parking space? Or what about the receptionists at the front desk? Are they friendly? Do they have a smile in their voice? Do they have the information you need?

I would agree that those are all very important aspects in the hospitality of your church, and although they may be the first encounter many people have with the church, I would argue this is not the primary place people develop their first impressions.

In today's world, the website is the first point of contact, and the place that people will decide whether or not to even visit our churches. People use the web to get first impressions and make critical decisions. Is the design aesthetically pleasing? Is it easy to navigate and is information easy to find? Can I see what a typical experience might be like? Is there even a website at all?

Fortunately, there is a design site that has waded through a ton of church websites and has compiled what they feel to be the 50 Best Church Websites. Take a look and see what they have in common. You may say to yourself that you can't afford to maintain a site like one of those. If that is the case, then do simple & inexpensive well....but don't fall prey to an amateur site reminiscent to a '90s html style. If your having trouble or don't know where to begin....contact one of the churches listed in the link and ask them for advice & help.

And remember, if this is the first impression for most people...how can we not afford for it to be a good one.

If only Moses had Twitter...

...all those plagues could have been avoided! I must admit that although somewhat annoying (is it really necessary for the "is twittering" that is posted on facebook status reports?), twitter can become useful if I find myself documenting Egyptian anti-government protests like this guy was.

Change, Innovate, or Die...

A common theme around our church is how all organizations must eventually change, innovate, or die. The United Methodist Church is currently gathering in their General Conference which convenes every 4 years and representatives from all over the world come.

This is where polity is discussed, legislation is voted upon, and the leaders of the UMC help shape the future of our denomination.

Interestingly, there are significant debates about exactly what aspects need to be changed, and how we go about bringing innovation into our churches.

One such topic is about the current hymnal. Adam has a great post about the discussions, the vote, and what a possible future hymnal might look like. Be sure to check it out and make your voice heard.