FOCUS ON VISITORS
BY REV. RANDY TAHYI

It is hard to believe, but it has already been over two months since General Conference. We are living at a very fast pace. We are
also running out of time; we need to be busy about our Father’s business.

October has been established as National Friendship month. We are hoping and praying that the churches of the Assemblies of the Lord Jesus Christ will participate by observing Friendship Sunday one Sunday in the month of October.

How important is Friendship Day to your church? To answer that question, let me share with you some information from a survey I received recently. This shows how a program such as Friendship Day can be a tremendous blessing to your church.

WHY DO NEW PEOPLE VISIT A CHURCH?

“And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.” St. Luke 14:23

WHY DO NEW PEOPLE INITIALLY VISIT A CHURCH?

1. Not because of denomination.

2. Not because it’s a neighborhood church.

3. Not because of the doctrine.

4. 86% of the visitors come because of Friends, Relatives, Acquaintances and Neighbors.

WHY DO VISITORS RETURN FOR THE SECOND TIME?

1. The way they were treated on their previous visit.

2. Continued influence of F. R. A and N.

3. Developed a relationship with God on their initial visit.

WHY DO VISITORS REMAIN WITH A CHURCH?

1. Helpful services
2. Relate to preacher
3. Friendly people
4. Theology
5. Live nearby
6. Church programs
7. Follow-up
8. Children’s ministry
9. Small groups
10. Facilities
11. Service schedule
12. Church size
13. Denomination

I. A good businessman operates his business by the concept that the customer is number one.

II. The ten most important people in each service.

1. Guest
2. Greeter
3. Ushers
4. Nursery worker
5. The person who the guest sits beside
6. Elders and ministers
7. Service leader
8. Worship leader
9. Musician
10. Pastor

The pastor is usually the last person the guest meets in any given service. The responsibility of winning new people is too awesome for just the preacher.

This outline truly brings out the beauty of this program. National Friendship Day can and will utilize the greatest soul winning
asset the church–its people.

“Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares” Hebrews 13:2.

We are looking forward to hearing all the great reports from National Friendship Day.

THE ABOVE MATERIAL WAS PUBLISHED BY WITNESS, SEPTEMBER 2001, PAGE 27.

THIS MATERIAL IS COPYRIGHTED AND MAY BE USED FOR STUDY AND RESEARCH PURPOSES ONLY.