35 Questions First-Time Worship Guests Are Asking

We are often good at considering worship enhancements during the service but don’t always consider worship distractions before and after those services. We assume the theological depth of our worship will encourage first time visitors to return and even stay. And that might actually be true if they could ever see past our spatial and structural blind spots.

We’ve all heard the adage about only getting one shot at a first impression. So, in addition to evaluating sermons and songs, we should also evaluate our worship spaces and structures. Maybe if we can answer these questions ourselves both preemptively and critically, then the answers from first time guests will be positive ones.

Questions First-Time Worship Guests Are Asking

1.      Was it convenient for us to park?

2.      Was it clear where we were supposed to go once we arrived?

3.      Was the building in good repair and grounds well kept?

4.      When were we first greeted, if ever?

5.      Did the attitude of the greeter make us feel welcome?

6.      Were we offered coffee and was it excellent, mediocre, or bad?

7.      Were the foyer colors and decorations outdated?

8.      Did it seem like people were happy to be there?

9.      Were the handouts timely and of excellent quality?

10.  Was the restroom clean and odor free?

11.  Did we feel safe leaving our child in the children’s area?

12.  How did we figure out where to sit in the worship area?

13.  Did we feel conspicuous?

14.  Was the worship center seating comfortable?

15.  Was there enough light?

16.  Was the temperature at a comfortable level?

17.  Did anyone dress or look like us?

18.  How was the volume of the speaking and music?

19.  Did the leaders use language we didn’t understand?

20.  How was the service flow and pace?

21.  Did the service seem too long?

22.  Was the worship service order easy to follow or confusing?

23.  Was it easy to participate musically?

24.  Was the music presented with excellence?

25.  Was the music culturally relevant for us?

26.  Were the video projection elements presented with excellence?

27.  Did we feel welcome to participate in all worship elements?

28.  Was the sermon easy to follow and meaningful?

29.  Did any of the service elements make us feel uncomfortable?

30.  Did anything in the service distract us?

31.  Did we know what to do when the worship service was over?

32.  Did anyone speak to us after the service?

33.  Were the members friendly, unfriendly, or disinterested?

34.  Did the leaders seem approachable?

35.  Will we come back based on our observations?