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There are hundreds of details that will be very specific to your Grand Opening Sunday, but this list will help you start your own list of key areas to cover.
- Photographer/Video Person. You can never capture this opening Sunday again.
- Signage. More signs than less. Some specific mistakes churches make with signs: Not large enough, lettering too small for church name/time/place. Your web page and other catch phrases are not what are important on these signs, it’s only TIME, PLACE, NAME of CHURCH. Cover all key corners: entrances to the building, signage from the entrance doors to children’s classes, nurseries, student ministries, restrooms, etc. You cannot over-do signage.
- The “Ugly” Check. Make sure there are no ugly trash cans, trash on floors, unclean restrooms, unclean floors, etc. We are usually using a school or public place so it is our job to make it look great, not the janitors of the property.
- Sound system checks: mikes, video, power points – do this well before the start of the worship service.
- Greeters. More than less. Out in parking lot, at all entrance doors, and to every ministry. Over-do this! Have fun with children in the parking lot. (Throwing balls, helping with small children) You can only a make really GREAT first impression One Time!
- Printed materials should be in everybody’s hand. Suggestions: A personal invitation to be handed out to friends for the next week (word of mouth will grow your church) worship folder, info on area where you want them to volunteer (the more volunteers you enlist the very first Sunday the more people will return) printed material for student ministries, nurseries, children’s classes, etc.
- Nursery that is easily visible and accessible. Make sure you help Mother’s with very young children to feel comfortable.
- Carpet on the floor for Children’s Classes. Most schools have tile or hard floors.
- Openness About Prayer. Don’t let groups gather privately out of sight for prayer (My Pet Peeve!) This is the highest-touch moment every week. Leaders have to be prayed up when they come on Sunday morning. Have leaders, pastors, music team, always touch people in audience before the worship begins. I believe the Lead Pastor should be out front to greet new people.
- Large set up and tear down crew that doesn’t include the Lead Pastor.
- Refreshments: Coffee, hot chocolate, donuts and healthy options provided.
- Avoid this: “Today we want you to do what you feel, stand, sit or do what you feel led to do…” You have a new group of people coming together in a new community, so give clear leadership and instructions to everyone.
- Offering time and welcome cards: be clear about when you want people to give and sign the cards. Don’t tell people who are new not to give! This was popular 15 years ago, but people want to help you. Be clear you appreciate their faithfulness in giving. If you have young leaders, please challenge and train them on these things.
- Singing of choruses and songs. Ask the following questions far before you sing them: 1. Are they singable the first time through? 2. Are they able to be sung by seekers? 3. You want participation, so if you can clap to the song that is another way a seeker can participate. Other things: Don’t sing too long: 7-12 minutes max. Don’t stand too long. I would avoid choruses the first few Sundays that are Spiritual Warfare in nature.
- Announcements: Don’t take chances on using people who have never given announcements to get them upfront. Almost all church plants want to use key leaders up front who aren’t ready to communicate clearly and with energy. A person giving announcements must have the same trust and expertise as someone singing or speaking. AND: Only make announcements that pertain to the entire church family. Never longer than 3 minutes for announcements!
- Gofer must be assigned for the lead pastor. This is key on Opening Day! The lead pastor cannot be running after details.
- Second Greeting. At the end of the first service, the greeting of new people again is so important. The lead pastor and all leaders should be accessible and visible. Once again you might want to have someone standing by the lead pastor in case there is a person who needs special time and attention. Don’t let the lead pastor get cornered meeting a major need or having a major conversation when he or she could be touching 100 other people.
- 7-step Follow Up: Have people in place for this far before your Opening Day.
- Contact info follow-up on new people. Ideas: Turn your visitor’s card in to get a gift on your way out, Know Your Neighbor Pad, place a major emphasis in the first service to have everyone fill out a card. THEY KEY: DO WHATEVER IT TAKES GET THEIR NAMES AND CONTACT INFO!
- Be proud. Make sure you are very happy with all printed materials, the look of the auditorium, the sound of the music, the video and power point presentations…must all be sharp!
- Rest! After the service, go home and get rested up for the next week.
- Go over this check list and add to it!!
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