Nine Ways to Make a Terrible First Impression

Podcast Episode #236

Discuss an article by Art Rainer on how to make a poor first impression and apply it to churches. Impassioned discussions on proper handshake etiquette and hugs are also included.

Some highlights from today’s episode include:

Church members are often friendly…to the people they already know.
Don’t wait for a guest to ask a question. If you see they need help, help them.
People want to know you are interested in them when they visit your church.
Relationships are the #1 thing that brings people to a church, keeps them, and gets them involved.
When you meet a new guest at church, it is a time to listen to them, not debate with them.
Not everyone is a hugger.

The nine ways churches can make a terrible first impression are:

Wait for them to approach you.
Make your handshake at weak as possible (or as strong as possible).
Avoid eye contact. Instead, look at their eyes.
Don’t use the other person’s name.
Talk about your successes a lot.
Act bored when they talk.
Whenever possible, vehemently disagree with them.
Don’t crack a smile.
Don’t say goodbye.

Episode Sponsors

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