My story is many years old, but its impact still lives with me today.
On a Sunday morning, I was walking outside the worship center and greeting people as they came into the church where I was serving as pastor. I saw a car moving slowly in the parking lot. The driver obviously could not find a place to park.
I walked toward the car. The driver rolled down his window and called to me by name: “Hey, Thom, where do you park around here?”
The man was a coach in the baseball league where I coached with one of my sons. I didn’t really know much about him, but I was glad to see him at church. I led him to one of the few available parking spots. He thanked me: “Thanks, Thom, I was about to give up and go home.”
A few months later, the man, his wife, and two of his older children responded to the gospel and became followers of Christ.
It is for reasons such as this one, I am committed to the practical aspects of ministry. Certainly, the Word of God and His truths are foundational and much more important. But to neglect practical ministry is to be unwise and, perhaps, even sinful.
Over the years, I have gathered untold volumes of information about practical ministries in churches. Let me share with you some of these lessons about parking lots through “ten commandments.”
- You shall have at least one greeter in the parking lot. That person makes an immediate impression on guests.
- You shall understand the 80% rule applies to parking lots. When the parking lot is 80% full, it appears totally full to a guest.
- You shall calculate your attendees per car ratio. On the average, two persons come together in a car to church. But that number can vary significantly by church, and it definitely affects how many spaces a lot should have.
- You shall have more than adequate handicap spaces. Do not limit these spaces to code requirements; exceed the requirements.
- You shall have more than adequate guest parking. Make certain you have at least one more guest spot than the highest number of guest cars you have for a given worship service.
- You shall have parking for needy groups in the church. Those groups vary by church. One church has several places for expectant mothers. Another church has spots for the “over 80” attendees.
- You shall not have an ugly, poorly marked parking lot. Remember, the parking lot is the first place your guests will see when they visit your church. What kind of first impression do you want to make?
- You shall not require guests to park in an obscure, far place. I preached at a church where the pastor told me to park in guest parking. I was blown away when I saw it was the furthest place from the church facilities, and it was poorly marked.
- You shall not have reserve parking for the pastor and staff. Those parking spots communicate privilege instead of service.
- You shall have clear and prominent signs in the parking lot. Good signage makes a good first impression. Bad signage does the opposite.
Are parking lots the most important facet of our ministries? Absolutely not. Not even close. But they can be used of God toward making an eternal difference.
I would love to hear your thoughts on this issue.
Literally was just having this talk yesterday and the importance of it! The visit doesn’t start in the pew, it starts in the parking lot. Thanks for confirming!
Thank you as well.
I never thought about how pleasant and welcoming it is until we started attending the church we have now joined. The parking lot and Greeting Ministry is very friendly, sincere and welcoming!
Where then should the minister park??
Is this a serious question?? I’ve been a pastor for 20 years and never had a reserved spot. I actually park in the farthest spot on our lot, but any space that is open to everyone else will work.
I love that this is a blog on the church parking lot. Thanks so much for writing on this concern. Our church has a parking lot ministry executed by the Trustee ministry who also has on a florescent jackets to “earmark” who they are. My inquiry is about “no reserved” parking spot for Pastor and spouse. Is that really appropriate not to have a designated space when the congregation is quite large? I understand that any and each space should be accessible for anyone but what if the pastor’s family has a relatively young,elderly or disabled family? Should they have to walk like everyone else?
Ummm… anywhere a member would park.
thank you for posting this important topic! I am glad you pointed out #9. In the church my husband pastored, we had an “unwritten rule” that pastors, staff, elders — parked out in the gravel so there would be ample parking for guests. One outgrowth that made me smile was to see other leadership (SS teachers, small group leaders) started parking in the gravel as well — without being “told” — because they caught the importance of serving and making room for guests. “Living our faith, sharing our life” is demonstrated in so many different ways. . .
Love that servant spirit!
Walk around on it at night and make sure it is sufficiently lit. There is reflective paint (and reflectors) to show lanes at night.
If your parking lot is paved and you are out in the country, please try to make sure that no power lines run across it and that it is lit from the perimeter. This will allow it to be identified and used by a med evac helicopter. Have someone who ems can call if they need the lights on in the middle of the night.
Good advice, Mark.
No. 4 can be a major problem when your congregation is 80% senior citizens and your facilities were built back when that group was young ! Handicapped access is abysmal.
Very good point Russ. What does a church do when the congregation is a majority senior citizen? By that time the “my parking spot” mentality becomes engrained.
Great article! It’s these seemingly little touches that speak hospitality and set churches apart. Our church does does all this very well and we call it the “parking lot ministry team”. We have a section near the door for “first time guests” and abundant handicapped parking, too. There are even greeters in the parking lot with umbrellas on rainy days. Everyone who pulls into the parking lot gets a smile and a wave from a parking lot greeter.
Excellent.
Our church meets in the “downtown” area of small town. We have no Parking of our own, but we are blessed to have permission to use a public, community parking lot adjacent to our church.
Some of these ideas we can certainly implement. Some of these commandments, we simply have no control over (speciality spots, providing handicap, and even guest spots). Any ideas on how to incorporate some of these principles in our situation?
I bet the city would be fine if you used mobile signage to designate each of those type spaces during church services.
>Some of these commandments, we simply have no control over (speciality spots, providing handicap, and even guest spots).
Talk to whoever manages the parking lot about your group using “portable signs” for specific needs, putting them up 2 hours before an event, and taking them down 1 hour after the event is over. (In this discussion, be very clear, and precise in the definition of “start of event” and “end of event”.)
Depending on the size, and shape of the parking lot, it might be possible to create one or two temporary rows of handicapped only parking, and still have enough spaces for the rest of the congregation.
“Are parking lots the most important facet of our ministries? Absolutely not. “. I agree BUT they are the first thing that visitors see. Thanks for th article.
Thank you too, Jeff.
You are absolutely correct!
One of our deacons saw a young mother with children driving around our parking lot without finding a place to park. Before he could get to the car she drove off. He shared this experience and his great disappointment. His commitment led to an intentional parking and greeting team. The leadership of the team evaluated our needs and developed a vision and strategy. The team consists of four Sunday teams. Each team serving once a month and rotating the fifth Sunday. The ministry consists of parking lot greeters, sidewalk assistants, valet parking for senior adults and challenged individuals, Welcome Center servants and escorts to Bible study classes, nursery, and worship. We want people to know they are important and welcomed.
Well said, Randy.
There is a Presbyterian church diagonal from our church on the other side of our Central Park (two blocks). I regularly joke that I have to, more often than not, park closer to the The Presbyterian church than my First Baptist Church so I might as well just pop in there!
🙂
That’s funny.
Well, as long as it’s not PCUSA, you will certainly get better theology and worship at the Presbyterian church, so why not try it?
( I kid my SBC brothers and sisters!)
Really? Most of the church parking lots I see are full of 30-60k dollar cars and trucks and people so large they can barely walk across the lot. The US church system is broken. Topics like this, irrelevant, are talked about all the time in churches. Pagan Christianity by George Barna might be a good read for you. Respectfully.
They should be talked about by the Team/Committee/Group who is accountable to maintaining the facilities. It’s important stuff. They need not be in sermons and a burden on Elders or those in Spiritual leadership, for sure.
Dr. Rainer,
As a pastor, I subscribed to #9 for a long time. But at the church where I am now, we are downtown, and all of our pastors have young families – 3 of them with 3 kids or more. Our wives are often getting all those kids in and out of the car after dark, and they are often some of the last to leave the church. For that reason, they are in pretty vulnerable positions at times. Not long after I came to this church, there was an angry man (whom, after our church providing benevolence for him many times but finally informing him that we would not continue) who made a statement against me that was false and somewhat threatening.
Some of our parking for Sunday is actually municipal parking that is technically off of our campus. Our pastoral families sometimes had to use this parking, but if parking there would not be helped by any trespass warnings we might give against belligerent folks like this angry man. For that reason, I changed my position on pastoral parking spots and provided just one for each pastoral family. I explained this to our church, and everyone I’ve talked to has agreed about it. I am often self-conscious about this when pastor friends visit our church, but I want to protect our pastoral families.
This sounds like our parking team at our church (Southern Illinois WorshipCenter )
I would say be thoughtful and only take one space with your one car. You know, park between the lines. Plus, please don’t park so close to the vehicle next to you that they can’t open the door to get in. (Happened to us ladt Sunday – thankfully not on both sides!)
Thanks Dr Rainer. I am a church planter on the coast of North Carolina that began in a warehouse three years ago with limited parking but plenty of seating. We saw the 80% rule prove itself to be true for three years. In November God allowed us to purchase a church building that was built by another plant 7 years ago. When the facility was built they only constructed about 30 parking places for a 250 seet sanctuary. Ugh here we go again. Before our first service we graded off and put in gravel for an additional 25. Of course 55 spaces isn’t nearly enough either so every week I experience the same nightmare you are discussing. We do have an acre of standing trees that we just had clear cut and are currently trying to raise funds to grade, gravel and install parking. Please pray for us as we raise these funds. The point that I want to make is I believe the parking issue is one of the biggest reasons that the church that built the building closed after 7 years of ministry. To the visitor no parking = we don’t have room for you. I wish the previous owners of the facility had read this article 7 years ago.
I will definitely pray, Frank. Thanks for your willingness to share your story. I’ve already heard from others who benefitted from it.
At our place, the planners made a grave error deciding WHERE to put the parking lot. After a major fire on its land-locked campus in town, the church purchased property outside of town in a beautiful setting. They opted to present a pretty picture for passers-by, tucking the parking lot behind the building. It IS pretty, but no one would ever know there’s anything happening here. It will take a “lot” of money to change our “lot.” PLEASE make sure people can see cars in front of your church!
Oops, it should say, “outside of town,” not, “outside of time”!!
That is an excellent point. Thanks for the comment.
Dear Thom,
Thank you so much for touching on this subject! What do you recommend for churches with unpaved parking lots? My church has no parking lines, handicap, or guest parking markers. It’s all gravel. And the space between vehicles when parked is quite large. What can I do now as pastor of my church? Blessings!
I think of a few ways to start:
1. Get the leadership team to agree to get there early and model parking at the angle and distance you desire people to emulate. Once they start modeling, ask them to start talking about it – asking people to take a look and follow.
2. Ask for a few parking volunteers. I think of what is assembled for community fireworks displays or at the fairgrounds at fair time. Flag them in and have them politely line up the cars. Have them look for handicap plates/stickers and send those folks to the area reserved nearest the door.
3. Signs for special needs can be ordered or can be made of card stock and laminated, then wired or stapled to a post or easel.
4. Preach about hospitality. Ask those who are able to extend hospitality for others.
5. Ask families and neighbors to ride together, so there aren’t five cars from one household. (It is good environmental stewardship, too.)
Excellent!
agh. I’d run fast from a church with parking lot attendants if I was a visitor. Not every one wants to be inundated with attention on arrival!
Our church went through a parking lot project about last year. It was partly funded through private donations, but also subsidized by church funds. I point this out because there were some conflicting opinions about the need for a new lot (imagine that!) and those who donated the money were very offended by those who questioned the proposal.
Know that we had a parking lot that was about 50% gravel, half broken up blacktop, had very poor lighting, and very few handicapped spots for a congregation comprised of approximately 40% senior citizens. It was definitely a problem that needed a solution. I care about the elderly in my church family and I also sympathize with families with mulitple young children having to tred across a gravely lot with toddlers and baby carriers in tow. I was there not long ago myself. I truly did care. And yet, I struggled with this project.
Here was my struggle : we have brothers and sisters around the world who gather for corporate worship in places we here in the US would consider uninhabitable. They meet in buildings with no indoor plumbing; no windows or air conditioning or heat; no kitchens or fellowship halls; no chairs or pews. How is it okay for us to spend $30k on a parking lot that is unnecessary in light of the *real* hardships of these?
I could go on and on about the lavishness we pour upon oursleves here in our church buildings in the States. It literally makes my stomach turn. When I try to put myself in the shoes of our suffering brothers and sisters aroubd the world, I can’t help but wonder what they think of western Christians. I have heard that some of them pray for us because they fear our faith is not real since we have so much material wealth that we must think we have no need for God. I digress.
Perhaps you can help me to understand the biblical view here or where my thinking is off. I’d appreciate it.
You need to minister to your local community as well as support overseas ministries. There’s a difference between ‘appropriate’ and ‘lavish’.
#9 is a big one. It doesn’t matter that the pastor is there often…no spot for you! Read in soup Nazi voice for best effect 😉
What do you think about designated smoking areas?
Very sad to see so many blinded by the world and in direct conflict with the Bible. Repent and return to the Biblical Christian pattern. You’re sincere and wonderful people but you’re US business pattern for church is in direct conflict with scripture.
Your comment intrigues me as I stuggle with this very issue. How do we know what is acceptable and reasonable in regards to our church buildings? Those terms are very subjective and there is no clear mandate from Scripture for the NT church regarding our houses of worship.
My heart is especially burdened for the persecuted and poverty stricken church around the world. When we here in the US have such abundant financial means, how can we be so selfish as to spend the insane amount of money we do on buildings that cater to our comfort rather than just our needs and all but ignore our brothers and sisters in need?
I appreciate any Scripture references or biblical principles that shed light on this topic. Thank you.
The smallish old Baptist church I attend was originally a Brethren church. When our church took it over we inherited the parking lot that is further down the road because the church property is not large enough for both the church building and the parking lot.
We would love to be able to do something with it, but the area does not allow for expansion. I think your list is wonderful and it is something I will try to keep in mind if the Lord allows us to find somewhere to move to. We have been praying for better facilities and the ability to expand. Thank you for the thought-provoker on something that every church has to deal with in some way.
I have learned that as long as your church has a genuine love, interest and a hunger for the lost and the Word especially your leadership this will create an atmosphere of unity; at that point this whole parking lot issue will be history.
Thom, as usual, thank you for great insights. Many do not realize the importance of something so common as a parking lot. We have had designated “guest” spaces across from the main entrance of our church, but the marking on the parking lot pavement has faded and needs repainting. Thank you also for #9. While we have not had a marked reserved spot for the pastor, I have typically parked in the same spot on Sundays as well as during the week nearest the church office on the rear educational building. It is not near the auditorium entrance, and I intentionally do not park near where most people enter the facility. However, for the past couple of year we have had a Spanish speaking congregation meeting in our Ed building, and often their pastor or another key member parks in “my” space. It has irritated me in the past, because the Spanish pastor who comes to the office occasionally during the week sees my car in that space. Yesterday (Sunday) upon arriving at church we saw the Spanish pastor’s car parked where I typically parked, and my wife expressed frustration that he was in “our” space. Having already read this post on the 9th, I was able to gently express to here that a reserved space expresses status rather than servanthood and that it was alright. Thank you for ministering to me first, and allowing me to express that truth kindly to my wife!
Great story! Thank you, Robert.
Dr. Rainer,
I’ve got to thank you for these posts. I would say they have been beneficial to me. I do have a struggle though. I read so much about having to make church ‘user friendly’ to people,guests, visitors, unchurched, and unsaved. As a pastor I have been criticized by some in my church and other pastors about adapting to the consumerism of our society. But I believe anything that will draw people to Jesus is necessary. But then I struggle when I see people who will wait in a 35 minute line for Chipotle or walk through mud at a concert and use a port-a-potty.
This is not a rant at all. Our church is not mega by any means but we have had consistent steady and good growth over the last three years. We have nearly doubled every year. We are a church plant. But I can’t help but feel the need to inch the bar higher and higher, but then I lower it for those who can’t reach it. It is difficult being all things to all people. Its difficult bringing Peter close when he falls and sending Judas away when he does. There is a balance, wisdom, and discernment needed at every turn. I constantly ask God for wisdom and of course He gives it. Thank you for being one of those sources of wisdom for the Kingdom.
Thanks, Quincy.
We are in a situation that I am sure a good number of older “town” churches share. The church sits on the corner of Main St. and Broadway in our small town, and we have NO church owned parking. Some of our attendees walk from nearby, but those who drive in are limited to street parking or the city hall lot nearby. Thankfully, those public spaces are largely empty on Sundays and Wednesday evenings.
How do you approach this issue when you’re completely landlocked and don’t have any parking to manage?
I serve as captain of the parking lot team at the Marianna, FL Campus of Rivertown Community Church. Our Pastor Paul smith has a great phrase, the longer you have attended RCC the further away from the front door you should park. This simple act of placing the needs of others above yourself is a big deal to people who attend for the first time.
There have been times when I have felt that waving at car drivers as they arrive is not a meaningful service, but on a regular basis I get the questions visitors have because I am the first person they come to and they can ask from their car where it is very safe to ask basic questions.
We are in the process of creating guest parking, but the challenge will be directing them to them if they arrive after the bulk of the attendees are already parked.
Your ministry has eternal value beyond temporal measurement, Doug. Thank you for being His servant.
Any suggestions on signs to post in the parking area about being on church property without permission or when participating in non-church related activities, such as the new Pokemon Go. I wonder about liability and issues this game will cause for our preschool should it draw a person with a criminal history.
This is an odd question. I was thinking of starting up a parking space business where a church would allow me to use a few spaces during the week for people willing to pay for the parking space. I am willing to donate a % of what I receive from the people renting the parking space to the church. Is this something a church can allow?
Yes. I am aware of some churches that do just that.
Somebody told me that they were not allowed since they were non profits. Is this correct?
That is not correct. Non-profits are allowed to transact such business. It is considered “non-related” income and is fully taxable to the church.
Oh…. I did not know this. So even a 501C3 can do this?
Yep.
Hi, Thom.
We have a parking lot in need of repaving (grass is growing in it). Our membership has declined from hundreds to double digits. We are debt free and are the only handicap accessible church in our village. Our church was built in 1971. Other churches have remodeled to become handicap accessible. We have Defensive Driving classes held at our church because we are handicap accessible.
My question is does anyone know of any funding we could use for our repaving project?
Thank you.
Ruth
When I first decided to volunteer with my church, I told them I’d be willing to serve wherever needed.
Having a “big mouth” and a somewhat extroverted personality, I just knew I’d be asked to be a Greeter at the doors. I was told, however, the church had all the Greeters they could use and was asked if I’d consider being a Parker. In my head, I thought, “No!”, but because I had said I’d serve where needed, my mouth enthusiastically said, “Sure. Absolutely.” In my mind, though, I only reluctantly agreed.
So, for the first two months of serving, I was on the less trafficked side of the church and kept complaining – again, in my mind – saying, “This is STUPID! People can see where there’s an empty parking spot! They’re wasting my talent, Lord!”
Well, the Holy Spirit finally had enough of my belly-aching and spoke to me, “This isn’t about parking.”
“Say what? Not about parking???”
“No, it’s about validating and acknowledging people; it’s about loving them from the moment of their arrival and welcoming them into the family from the very outset.”
It was humbling and life-changing. I have been serving as a Parker for a littler over ten years, now. It doesn’t matter if it’s hot or cold, raining or dry, windy or humid. It is so much more rewarding than I could have ever imagined! I am the PRE-Greeter!!! And, I SO look forward to every Sunday; seeing the people, calling them by name, getting to know those whom I recognize by face each week, but whom I’ve never officially met.
I’ve been the Parking Captain for some time now and, as a leader, I send an e-mail to the team each week…sometimes it’s weather-related, sometimes it’s humorous, sometimes it’s a prayer or a Scripture verse. I used this article just last week as a reminder of “why” we do what we do: to have an eternal impact on the lives of others.
Our pastor has a saying, “If lost people matter to God, then they should matter to us.” Each week, in my e-mail, I include a slightly revised version: “People matter to God; therefore, they matter to us.”
PS – To the person (AL) who posted they’d drive away from a church with parking lot attendants, I hope you’ll reconsider your position. I do understand it would be a little creepy, if the Parkers immediately ran up to you fawning over you as you’re getting out of your car; but, if it’s done properly, serving in the parking lot is really not much different than being posted at the doors and I would hope you wouldn’t leave because someone said, “Hello,” as you enter.
PPS – Pastor Rainer: If you ever amend your “commandments”, you might consider these (as they are our Parking Ministry Guidelines):
1. Always confirm your attendance via the church website.
Use the same website to “block out” any dates for which you will be unavailable (vacation, business trips, anniversaries, etc.). And, keep in mind, we do understand “life happens” and things come up unexpectedly (e.g., business trips and sickness or illness).
After confirmation, should any last minute changes prevent you from serving, please notify:
The Connections Pastor
or
The Parking Captain
Communication (about scheduling, your availability & your presence) is key.
2. Be prompt and park YOUR vehicle in a remote area of the lot, giving preference to those who may need to walk fewer steps. (Park along the perimeter of the lot, preferably.)
Be early enough to actually be in the parking lot 30 minutes prior to the start of a service and be prepared to remain in the lot until 15 minutes after the service has begun or until traffic dwindles down (which ever comes later).
3. Smile. Wave. And, have fun!
4. Wear acceptable & weather-appropriate attire. Modest shorts and light shirts may be worn during warmer weather and, in the winter, think layers: overcoats, jackets, windbreakers, sweats, etc. (And, a good pair of gloves are worth their weight in gold!)
Use sunscreen and/or hats when warranted and be sure to drink plenty of fluids in hot weather.
Umbrellas and/or ponchos are available & provided for you during times of inclement weather. Consider a change of socks/shoes for wet weather situations.
While serving, always wear a Parker’s safety vest. This indicates to drivers that you are acting in an official capacity and have some level of authority. Without a vest, drivers may become confused and not realize you’ve been designated to help control the parking area. [Besides, the vest keeps you cool in the Summer and warm in the Winter. 🙂 ] On a rare occasion where a vest may not be available, carry a light baton.
Always carry a “walkie-talkie”/two-way radio, be in close proximity to someone who has one, or remain in sight of the parking leader/captain or another team member.
Communication (with drivers, pedestrians & with the team) is key.
5. Smile often. Be cheerful. Enjoy yourself!
6. Be careful, safe, and alert. Watch out for vehicles, pedestrians, your fellow Parkers & yourself, as well.
Be cognizant of pedestrians, especially small children, running in the parking lot or moving behind vehicles whose drivers may not be able to see them. Safety is always your first priority.
7. Generally, give pedestrians the “right of way,” stopping vehicular traffic for them; however, keep the flow of traffic in mind. There may be times when you ask the pedestrians to “hold up a moment,” so you can clear some vehicle traffic.
Also, if the situation warrants it, motion vehicles to slow down in the parking lot. Whenever appropriate, instead of stopping vehicles, direct them around pedestrian traffic. Remember, this is a private parking lot and we reserve the right to redirect traffic patterns.
8. As vehicles approach, look at their windshields and/or license plates for handicap mirror hangers or symbols. Direct those with handicap designations to the proper parking spaces.
Also look for vehicles displaying out-of-state license plates, as these will typically belong to visitors and recent transfers to Texas. If possible, make an effort to park them near entrances.
Additionally, as the church espouses a casual environment, those who arrive “dressed up” are most likely visitors. Go out of your way to welcome them. As a matter of fact, whenever it’s possible, introduce yourself to first-time visitors and personally escort them inside to the Connection Center or introduce them to one of our pastors. A personal “hand off” can leave a lasting impression. (Please try to notify another Parker, prior to leaving your “post.”)
9. Smile some more. Keep a positive attitude. Have a good time!
10. In order to maximize parking availability…
• endeavor to park large vehicles (trucks, SUV’s, etc.) next to/across from small vehicles (e.g., compact and economy cars).
• attempt to have motorcyclists double up in single parking spaces.
DO NOT attempt to direct traffic off the church premises. We do not have city authorization to park vehicles on the street.
11. As open car/truck doors prevent other vehicles from pulling into the neighboring spot, alternate direction to vehicles (e.g., one left, one right, etc.) to avoid traffic backups.
After a vehicle is parked, if you notice any of the following:
• elderly individuals,
• expectant mothers,
• temporarily handicapped (e.g., crutches, walking boot, etc.),
inform them we’ll be happy to park them closer to entrances, if space is available and if they notify us upon their arrival on campus.
12. Greet everyone (or, at least, as many as you’re able) with a smile, a wave, a handshake or a hug. And, do it with authentic enthusiasm. Use words and phrases like: “Welcome!” or “Howdy, y’all!” (my personal favorite)1
You can also use current holidays or weather (e.g., “Merry Christmas” or “Thanks for coming out on this bright, sun-shiny day.”) as an “ice breaker.”
Feel free to talk about current sporting events or the team represented on someone’s attire (e.g., “Go Cowboys” or “We have special reserved parking for Ranger fans.”). Whatever you choose to say, be genuine, even if it’s in a spirit of fun.
13. As is prudent and appropriate, offer help to everyone (particularly small children, the elderly, and the handicapped).
During inclement weather, assist with car doors and/or cover people with your umbrella as you walk them to the church entrance.
Aid people not only with parking directions, but also be familiar with service times, the location of the Early Childhood/Adventure Kids area, the Information Center, etc.
Be innovative and seek opportunities to exhibit thoughtfulness. Be willing to go above and beyond. Serve each person as unto the Lord.
14. People matter to God; therefore, they matter to us. So, try to remember names, faces, vehicles and which service people are attending.
As time allows, utilize opportunities to fellowship and meet and make friends. Get to know people and call them by name. For each service you volunteer, make an attempt to meet someone you’ve seen before, but to whom you have never been formally introduced.
Remember: YOU are the face of the church; the very first person anyone sees. The evaluation of the entire church starts with us, the Parkers. The way we greet and treat people arriving at the church campuses will determine whether we keep visitors coming and can significantly impact the well-being and spiritual growth of our members and regular attendees.
15. If at any time you have any questions or issues, consult your parking leader/captain on duty. Please advise your team leader/captain of any issues or concerns in the parking lot regardless of how small or large they may seem, including any issues with Police or any other emergency personnel or vehicles. Again, please ask your parking leader/captain to address the issue(s).
16. Finally: Smile again. Have a blast. And, most of all, show Christ-like love!
“I know all the things you do. I have seen your love, your faith, your service, and your patient endurance. And I can see your constant improvement in all these things.” Revelation 2:19 (NLT)
1 – As it is a contraction for the words “you all,” the word is spelled “y’all” not “ya’ll.” The apostrophe replaces the “ou.” As an aside, “y’all” can be singular OR plural, whereas “all y’all” is most definitely plural. 🙂
I found this article looking for some fresh ideas for our parking team. I lead our team at one of our satellite campuses and have been running teams for years. I noticed that one of the difficulties we have his asking staff and teams to park in our designated area to allow sufficient space for our guests to make it as easy and welcoming as possible. We have signs, alternatives like golf carts for those who park far etc., but the hardest thing to do is convince staff and team members to park some where else. Has anyone run into this issue and tackled it successfully? How can we avoid confrontation with this group and still get the message across that “putting others’ needs before our own doesn’t only start when we walk in the door,but every aspect of life?
I agree with your article regarding church parking lots. Our church needs to pave the parking lot, but the funds are not there. Are you aware of any grants for churches needing financial assistance for projects like this?
Thank you