Visitor Watch Evaluation

Here’s how it works . . .

A “visitor” (actually an experienced consultant from Church Growth, Inc.) arrives at your church ten minutes prior to your first service or class hour on Sunday morning. Only a handful of people will know the identity of this visitor. This person plays the role of a first-time visitor and observes the experience he/she has at your church, such as:

• First Impressions (exterior facilities, signs, parking, entrances, initial contacts)
• Entering the building (greeting, printed material, direction signs, interior facilities, informal conversations)
• Visiting an adult education class (first impressions, facilities, welcome, lesson, and friendliness)
• Attending the worship service (first impressions, sanctuary, welcome, involvement, bulletin/program, service components, visitor friendliness, transitions, and pace)
• Following the service (informal conversations, coffee time)
• Other impressions (child care, church programming, restrooms, fellowship area)

The Report

Following the morning visit, a Sunday afternoon debriefing is held with all those who have an interest in hearing the report. This session lasts approximately two hours as the “visitor” shares his/her experiences. In addition, the consultant provides specific ideas and suggestions that will improve your church’s welcome.

Also included is a “Visitor Evaluation Report” which summarizes the insights from the visit. The debriefing may be tape recorded and distributed throughout the church, if desired.

 Why You May Never Know How Visitors Feel

In the average church, 8% of first time visitors eventually join the church they visit. But, 22% of second-time visitors become active. If you can increase the number of first-time visitors who come back you nearly triple the chance that they will stay. Visitor Watch can help you dramatically improve the number of first-time visitors who return.

Throughout their visit to your church, newcomers are asking, “are the people friendly?", “are the programs interesting?”, “would my children like it here?”, “was the service uplifting?”,  “would I come back again?” But your visitors discuss their experiences only in the car driving home. You will probably never know how they feel.

And long-time church members can’t help either. They have been active in your church for so long, they don’t remember what it’s like being a newcomer.

“Visitor Watch” sends a person to your church who:

1. knows what a visitor is looking for;
2. has never been to your church before;
3. will help you build on your strengths and identify your growth areas;
4. will provide specific and helpful suggestions for you to extend your best possible welcome.

 Who is Visitor Watch?

Dr. Charles Arn, President of Church Growth, Inc., and a widely respected authority in church assessment, has screened and trained a group of highly qualified individuals to be the professional visitors in Visitor Watch. Each “visitor” has been taught what to look for and how to evaluate the factors that have been identified through research to create those important first impressions. In the debriefing session, the consultant will review and evaluate each factor as it relates to your church, and provide specific recommendations on how you can improve your welcome.

 What is the Cost?

The Sunday visit, including assessment and debriefing, is $295. Travel (and accommodations, if necessary) are additional. The entire evaluation/debriefing normally runs from 8:00am to 3:00pm.

 What is the Next Step?