As Easter Sunday approaches, consider the message your church’s landscaping, layout and signage are sending.
In our last blog we discussed the importance of lobby space for churches to make a good first impression, saying a big “Welcome!” to newcomers and regulars alike.
Now we’ll broaden the details surrounding that crucial first impression.
Lobbies (aka fellowship space, atrium, café, etc.) are key, but so are things like landscaping, signage, logo and architecture. These things together tell a story that newcomers take in, often without even realizing it. A church’s facility layout, appearance and atmosphere say a lot about the values of its staff and leaders. Yours might be saying, “tired,” “traditional,” or “hip,” for example.
Try looking around your church property as if you’d never been there before, asking yourself what impression you’d get. If the answer isn’t glowing, chances are it’s time for some spring cleaning or even a more drastic facelift.
Here are some quick tips to help you take stock.
Landscaping
Grounds and building that are well kept and attractive attest to the dedication and discipline of the church.
- Are your flowerbeds hosting dandelions as the warm weather closes in?
- Is your parking space striping bright and fresh?
- Has winter sand been swept up?
Layout & Signage
Nobody wants first-time visitors to feel unnerved by something as simple as knowing where to park or which door to enter. You certainly don’t want them to be wondering the halls trying to find the children’s check-in or worship auditorium. Your church may have the coolest café known to man, but if people don’t know how to get there it’s not serving its full purpose.
In a nutshell, visitors should feel taken care of from their very first touch with your church and have a good idea what to expect as they arrive.
- Does a visitor have to walk a long way to the front door?
- Is it obvious where the front door is?
- Are there any messages/banners outside that convey current themes/focuses?
- Is there visible/cool interior signage to clarify the locations of the coffee, children’s check-in, and auditorium?
- Does the children’s check-in look secure? Does there appear to be an enclosed area? Is there a computerized system in place?
People
Everyone wants to have a friendly church. It’s a good idea to ensure that visitors feel welcomed by more than a cool sign or lovely flowerbed. Enhance the atmosphere of your facility with that all-important personal touch.
- Are there people directing traffic at busy times?
- Are there greeters/door openers?
- Are the greeters sensitive that some people don’t want to shake hands?
Development Advisors provides facility development and expansion services for churches. For more information, please contact Scott McLean at 303-534-3344 (x 103) or at scott@developco.com.