The team at Pivvot enjoys playing the role of "secret worshipper" when we take a church through our visioning process called for Vision Design. We call it a guest perspective evaluation. As I prepare to debrief a church again soon, I want to share some general insights on welcoming ministry and hospitality for guests.

Here are the top ten mistakes I see when volunteers are helping me as a first time guest.

#1 Volunteers have not thought in advance about my next step as a guest so they don't know how to guide the conversation with me.

#2 Volunteers are talking with friends and don't notice me.

#3 Volunteers are doing task work and are not available or responsive the moment I show up.

#4 Volunteers generally hesitate when I initiate with a question.

#5 Volunteers don't know where the most pertinent information is located.

#6 Volunteers tell me what to do with no information or tools or other people to help me.

#7 Volunteers generally look preoccupied, distracted, or unsure of themselves in their non-verbals even when being friendly.

#8 Volunteers are unaware of the basic "how to" questions for checking-in children of every age.

#9 Volunteers don't introduce me to others at the church.

#10 Volunteers gave me written information that is not important, pertinent, or strategic (sending me on a bee-line to the trash can).

My team at Pivvot and I want to connect with you. Fill out this short form and one of our Navigators will contact you.