The Gospel Chronicle Letting you know WZUpstate
The Gospel Chronicle Date: November 2014 Volume 2, Issue 11
The Gospel Chronicle/WZUpstate
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The founder of the Gospel Chronicle Patricia Lindsey-
Top Ten Ways Churches Drive Away First-time Guest By: Thom S. Rainer – www.Thomrainer.com
If you attend a church regularly, you’ve probably noticed the phenomenon. A guest shows up for a worship service, but he or she never returns. It is, unfortunately, a common issue in many churches. I did a Twitter poll to ask these first-time guests why they chose not to return to a particular church. While some of the responses were anticipated, I admit being a bit surprised with some of them. Though my poll is not scientific, it is nevertheless fascinating. Here are the top ten responses in order of frequency. 1. Having a stand up and greet one another time in the worship service. This response was my greatest surprise for two reasons. First, I was surprised how much guests are really uncomfortable during this time. Second, I was really surprised that it was the most frequent response. 2. Unfriendly church members. This response was anticipated. But the surprise was the number of respondents who included non-genuine friendliness in their answers. In other words, the guests perceived some of the church members were faking it. 3. Unsafe and unclean children’s area. This response generated the greatest emotional reactions. If your church does not give a high priority to children, don’t expect young families to attend. 4. No place to get information. If your church does not have a clear and obvious place to get information, you probably have lowered the chances of a return visit by half. There should also be someone to greet and assist guests at that information center as well. 5. Bad church website. Most of the church guests went to the church website before they attended a worship service. Even if they attended the service after visiting a bad website, they attended with a prejudicial perspective. The two indispensable items guests want on a website are address and times of service. It’s just that basic. 6. Poor signage. If you have been attending a church for a few weeks, you forget all about the signage. You don’t need it any more. But guests do. And they are frustrated when it’s not there. 7. Insider church language. Most of the respondents were not referring to theological language as much as language that only the members know. My favorite example was: “The WMU will meet in the CLC in the room where the GAs usually meet.” 8. Boring or bad service. My surprise was not the presence of this item. The surprise was that it was not ranked higher. 9. Members telling guests that they were in their seat or pew. Yes, this obviously still takes place in some churches. 10. Dirty facilities. Some of the comments: “Didn’t look like it had been cleaned in a week.” “No trash cans anywhere.” Restrooms were worse than a bad truck stop.” “Pews had more stains than a Tide commercial.” There you have it. The top ten reasons first-time guests said they did not return to a church. I can’t wait to hear from you readers. You always have such good additions and insights.
Plates include whiting fish, fries, slaw, bread and a drink. Please call Rod Isham (356.2905) for your tickets.
Nov. 22, 2014 2nd
Annual Fish Fry
$8.00 per plate
Proceeds will go towards various Men’s Ministry activities (ie. prison ministry, food bank, Youth Ministry, etc.)
(buy 1 get 1 FREE) The Men of Set Free Christian Fellowship invite you to participate in our 2nd Annual Fish Fry Plate sale. All proceeds will go towards forwarding the Ministry through the Men of Set Free Christian Fellowship. For tickets or call Rod Isham at
Set free christian fellowship 4415 Hwy 153 Easley, SC. 29642 www.setfreecf.com
Saturday, November 22 From 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
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Complimentary Reviews of your current insurance policies and financial planning. Contact Tracy Isham Palmetto Senior Benefits 1 Davis Keats Drive Greenville, SC 29607 Office:864 213-9560 Cell: 864.356.6856 Fax: 864 213-9599 email: tracyisham1@gmail.com
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We are proud to announce the 2015 Scholarship Award process is open to the public. Eleven scholarships will be awarded totaling over $100,000. All scholarship entries will be evaluated for selection based on transcripts, letters of recommendation, autobiography statement, GPA, financial need and demonstrated leadership and community service. The scholarships will be awarded at the MLK Dream Weekend Diversity Banquet, scheduled for Friday, January 16, 2015 at 7:00PM at the TD Convention Center, with guest speaker internationally recognized native of Greenville and former 2-time Presidential Candidate, Rev. Jesse Jackson.
MLK Dream Weekend is excited to offer the following scholarships: MLK Young Dreamer - $3,500 Coretta Scott King Dream Keeper - $3,500 Greenville Technical College Dreamer - $1,500 USC Upstate Dreamer - $3,000 Furman Dreamer - $60,000 ($15,000 per year for four years) Clemson Dreamer - $16,000 ($4,000 per year for four years) Michelin North America MLK Dreamer - $5,000 Michelin North America CSK Dreamer - $5,000 Brown-Mackie College Dreamer - (2 at $5,000 each) AALG Dreamer - $1,500
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The Gospel Chronicl
Letting you know WZUP in the Upstate
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IG Global Sourcing specializes in low cost manufacturing, precision metal fabrication, CNC machining, plastic injection molding, secondary machining, and custom packaging. We also specialize in custom printing, business cards, brochures, and postcards (especially for churches).
The Gospel Chronicl
Letting you know WZUP in the Upstate
Here is where you can get connected with the Gospel Chronicle. Look for us on Facebook: (WZUpstate) Email: TGCWZUP@yahoo.com Snail Mail: The Gospel Chronicle 10 E. Sundance Drive Easley, SC. 29642
Praying to continue to make a difference in the Upstate by keeping you informed with what is going on in the Christian Community!!!