One Small Thing Churches Can Do To Make A Big Impression On Visitors

City On A Hill Associate Pastor Ed Archer

Something all churches desire is to see first-time visitors return a second and third time.  As a result, a frequent agenda item in staff meetings is creating experiences so impactful visitors are sure to come back.

Through my work with The Rocket Company, I recently connected with Ed Archer (pictured here), the Associate Pastor of City On A Hill, a United Methodist church located in my hometown of Woodstock, Ga.

Though I do not attend City On A Hill, I am very familiar with their church and the work they do serving our community.  This church is a frequent presence at red lights handing out water.  They annually put on community wide Easter egg hunts and Christmas specials while also serving the poor and under-resourced.  When I would pass this church on Sunday mornings, their parking team is always excited and proactive.  You can tell God is doing a great work at this church and their people are excited to be a part of it.

When the opportunity presented itself, I stopped by to introduce myself to Ed in person and give him a copy of my book.  While there, Ed gave me a tour of their facilities.  As we went through the nursery and pre-school area, he showed me the smallest toilet I have ever seen.

Smaller Than A Trash Can

I said, “That is the coolest thing I’ve ever seen.  Can I take a picture?”  Ed said, “Sure.  Everyone does.”  You can see the toilet to the left.  Notice we placed a plastic trash can next to it for scale.  Pastor Ed is also photographed above next to sink which is placed at a knee-high level.

So what do miniature toilets and sinks have to do with making a huge impression on visitors?

1. It tells parents their child is important.
2. It tells parents City On A Hill church is looking at the weekend experience through their child’s eyes.
3. It tells parents the facility was designed with their child’s specific needs in mind.
4. It tells parents the adult portions of the weekend experience have also been designed through their eyes.
5. It tells parents the people of City On A Hill were expecting them and have crafted a weekend experience with them in mind.
6. It tells parents their family’s needs are important.
7. It tells parents they and their children matter.
8. It tells parents the people of City On A Hill want them to come back.
9. And though they may not know it, it tells parents the people of City On A Hill want to introduce them to their God.

What is One Small Thing Churches Can Do To Make A Big Impression On Visitors?  Design weekend experiences with them in mind.

And if you live in Cherokee County, Ga and are looking for a church home, visit City On A Hill in Woodstock, Ga.  They are expecting you.

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