How To Create A Welcoming Environment For Your Ministry

The scariest thing I had to do when entering into 5th grade was to find the right lunch table. My family had just moved, and I was the new kid at school, and I didn’t know anyone. It would have been nice if someone had approached me and said, “Hey, new kid, welcome, and sit with us.” But kids don’t always know to do that. This was my experience in school, but the same thing can happen in your ministry.

When a teenager walks in for the first time, do you know that they are new? It’s okay if you don’t because it can be challenging to do, but if you want a loving environment then you need to build a system that helps you engage anyone who is visiting or coming for the first time.

CREATE A CHECK-IN STATION

We have a place where teens can check-in. While the primary purpose is to help us record attendance, it’s enabled us to engage with new teens (And sometimes their parents). At this point, we can capture all the right information and let them know what to expect.

To do check-in right, make sure you have your friendliest volunteers (Teens and adults) ready to welcome and diffuse any nerves. Equip your team with the theme of the night, any upcoming events, and how they should navigate visitors and newcomers.

FOLLOW UP WITH FURTHER INFORMATION

Coming back to your program can be just as intimidating as going the first time. Follow up is so vital because it can affirm a positive experience and correct anything negative that might have happened. How do you follow up? Here are a few suggestions:

• Simple thank you note with words of encouragement
• A phone call to gain feedback on their experience
• Send a welcome gift (e.g., t-shirt, Bible, etc.)

Whatever you do, make sure it happens within the week. If it’s overwhelming to tackle on your build a team. The team could include people who are at the check-in stations or the leader of the small group you assigned them to join.

EQUIP YOUR TEAM TO BE KEENLY AWARE

If possible, designate two or three adults who are responsible for tracking new teens and their families. At the same time, make sure all of your adult volunteers are aware of what to do. Help them avoid assumptions by encouraging them to be social, introduce themselves to teens, and get to know names. Give your volunteer team nametags or something that distinguishes them as a person to approach if a teen has a question. Even if they aren’t in charge of newcomers have them aware of the different procedures that take place in your ministry.

DON’T FORGET ABOUT THE PARENTS

Teenagers are not the only people who are nervous. To drop your kid off at an event or location that is unfamiliar can be unjarring. If you have a check-in team, they can interact with any parents who might have questions, but not every parent comes to the door. That is why follow up is essential, and if you want to be proactive, consider hosting a new parent orientation. You could organize them at the beginning of the year (This is great, especially for rising 6th graders or high school freshman), share with them expectations and allow them to ask questions. It will enable you to engage families before the craziness sets into the year.

This summer, think about the transition that many families are facing and answer the question, “How can we ensure everyone feels welcomed to our ministry?” If you start with a friendly face at the door and create a system where everyone who walks in knows that they are right where they need to be and you’re ministry will grow because it’s where people are loved.

How do you create a welcoming environment for new teens and their families?

Want more great content? Sign up for the MYM Newsletter today:

Sign Up Today