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Jan
27
F Leader , I Leader , Susan Hill

3 Easy Ways to Create a Welcoming Environment in Your LIFE Group

Part 2: Two Excellent Reasons To Wear Nametags

by Susan Hill

It has been said that human beings enjoy hearing their names being said above all other things. I’m not sure whether this is true or not, but I know people long to be known and recognized in a group setting. Undoubtedly, people join a LIFE Group to engage in biblical community where others know them and they have the opportunity to cultivate relationships. Obviously, the first step of building a relationship with someone is learning his or her name. This seems painfully simple but, in a LIFE Group, it’s not uncommon for group members to come week in and week out and not learn everyone’s name in the group.
Wearing nametags in your LIFE Group sends the message that you are anticipating and welcoming newcomers. It’s a simple gesture that will create a welcoming environment that people appreciate. Also, nametags demonstrate that your group places high value on hospitality and makes it much easier for newcomers to learn names.
While it’s true that nametags are beneficial for visitors, nametags also have value for longtime group members as well. Have you ever been in a conversation with someone and you can’t remember their name even though you’ve spoken to them multiple times? It’s an awkward situation and you hesitate to ask them their name because you should know by now. In social settings, this happens more frequently than we would like to admit. Wearing nametags eliminates this potential situation and puts people at ease.
Using nametags is a simple step your group can take in making sure your LIFE Group provides a welcoming atmosphere for guests and group members. LIFE Groups are all about Christ follower’s coming together to study his Word and build relationships with one another. Knowing each other’s name is the first step of any relationship. Let’s be intentional about creating an environment that cultivates relationships, puts everyone at ease, and makes first-time guests want to come back.
 

Jan
19
F Leader , I Leader , Susan Hill

3 Easy Ways to Create a Welcoming Environment in Your LIFE Group

Part 1:  Placing a Greeter at the Door

by Susan Hill 

All of us would agree that we want our LIFE Group to be hospitable and inviting for
first-time guests. But the truth is, the longer a LIFE Group has been together, the greater the risk that the group will focus inward and lose sight of hospitality and the needs of newcomers. The shift is never intentional, but it sometimes happens. The great news is there are simple steps that group members and leaders can take to be proactive in creating and maintaining a welcoming environment for visitors.
One of the simplest things that will create a great impact is to place a greeter at the door. People who attend a LIFE Group want to connect to biblical community. They are eager to get to know others in a friendly atmosphere.  A greeter adds a personal touch that creates a welcoming environment that puts visitors at ease.
Placing a greeter at the door of your LIFE Group sends the message that visitors are anticipated and welcomed. Also, it provides the newcomer a contact person who can introduce them to other members of the class and help them get connected.
Remember, first-time guests often feel awkward attending a group where they may not know anyone. A friendly face at the door who is willing to answer questions, tell the visitor what to expect, and introduce them to group members will go a long way in making the newcomer feel welcome.
When Paul describes the characteristics of true Christians in Romans 12:13 he writes, “Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.” As church leaders, we have been given the astounding privilege and responsibility to teach people about the good news of Jesus Christ. As we consider how to minister to those who have been entrusted to our care, let’s be intentional about creating a warm and welcoming environment in our LIFE Groups.