Parking Lot Greeters
by Chris Forbes
Free tips for getting the word out about your church from the Ministry Marketing Coach
A Greeter’s place is in the church entrances … and the parking lot.
Having a well-run parking lot with greeters is as important as having greeters inside the building. When a person visits a church, the church experience starts in the parking lot. Sometimes new people will pull into your parking lot, and then lose their nerve to go inside. A parking lot greeter can wave to those people and show them a warm welcome right when they drive up. A friendly greeting sometimes be just what the newcomer needs to find the courage to come inside.
Set aside some parking spaces near the door reserved for “Our Guests,” and assign greeters to help new people find these places. Don’t forget to inform your parking lot greeters of everything going on inside the church. It is just as important they know the goings-on inside the doors as what’s going on outside. Also encourage them to show a smile as they greet people. There’s nothing worse than a gruff parking lot attendant.
People will appreciate the attention to details that a parking lot greeter provides. In one situation, greeters had to turn down tips from people pulling into the church. Apparently, visitors thought it was such great service they were willing to pay for it.
A greeter can add his own creative touches, too. One church parking lot greeter offered valet parking to the senior adults of the church. You know they appreciated that.
A great parking lot greeter ministry sets a positive tone for your church. Because of this, people already will be excited about the things going on at the church when they come inside.
Action Point!
Expand your greeter ministry to include parking lot greeters who will welcome people right when they drive onto the property. Make sure these people are outgoing people who are smiling and can give friendly direction. Keep them up-to-date so they can be knowledgeable about where to park and where to go, and what entrance to use, etc.
