Friday, November 05, 2010

New data on first-time guests

For the past two years, we have been asking our guests to fill out an anonymous feedback card, answering various questions about their experience in visiting First Baptist Church of Rincon.
Here are their answers.

"How did you first hear about our church?"
59% family/friend
30% saw the building/sign
4% newspaper
4% Internet
3% other

Did somebody greet you when you arrived?
96% yes
4% no

Were our people friendly?
89% yes
0% no
11% somewhat friendly

Was the sermon clear and understandable?
98% yes
0% no
2% it was okay

Was the music uplifting and inspiring?
82% yes
4% no
18% it was okay

Did you visit a Sunday School (Bible study) class?
32% yes
68% no

Observations:
It is normal for most visitors to come because of family and friends, but our church has a much higher number of first-time visitors who see the building and sign than most churches (30%). Our location is a wonderful blessing, as we are on the main highway in our county.
It is encouraging that the overwhelming majority of visitors report a pleasant experience when they come, feeling a friendly welcome and an inspiring worship service.
It is noteworthy that two-thirds do NOT attend Sunday School when they first visit. Instead, they check out the worship service, and then they may decide later to visit a class.

3 comments:

Angela Wishon said...

My family visited here Dec 5th, & 12th. I’ve been looking for a church like this since I was little. I have never walked into a church on the first visit and felt a peace and sense of home like I have here in several years of searching. God is working here I feel it.
We have been looking for a church home since July. I had been looking online and out and about. We tried one out but it was a fight to get out of bed to go. We really hadn’t put finding a church home as a priority like we should have. It was an issue but it was on the “to do” list. But one day my fiancée told me he felt the need to visit this church down the road.
Our first visit we were late, but the gentlemen at the door still greeted us warmly and personally walked us to where the children go. He was wonderful, warm, caring, and pleasant!
The Children’s Church was great. My son talked about the missionaries and puppets and how fun they were. Coming from a 9yr old boy, this meant a lot to me. And child care, our 2yr olds were so happy and tired when we left they passed out in the car! They were well cared for and happy. On the second visit they nearly scaled the gate to get back in! And the reports from the caregivers show that they keep a close eye on each child and keep them changed and happy! This comforts us as parents knowing that such quality care is provided!
On our first visit, a lady who taught in China and witnessed abroad testified. She opened up and told us the good, bad and even opened up her thoughts and fears to us. She was genuine! Also a couple from Africa came to share their testimony. They had slide shows, video, in depth conversation, and my favorite...the pastor asking them questions! He was asking questions as well! This was a breath of fresh air! It was more of an in-depth look at more than just the surface mission but the deeper questions and answers lurking in minds! I thirst for knowledge and boy was it quenched! When we went to fill out the visitors’ card it had already had our names on the card!
Our second visit I was anxious and excited to go back! I don't think I have sung that happily for years! I was so happy! To our surprise, the pastor prepared a skit/mini-play himself! Too include a very ear catching accent I may add! I was completely engulfed with amusement!
I knew in my heart I was home! I knew it the first time but second guessed myself. This place is so welcoming and you get engrossed in the messages! I didn’t even need the emergency kit of sweets in my purse to help me stay awake! (A lot of you out there know what I mean!) You can feel the spirit the moment you walk in!
God wants me here and confirmed it during a shopping trip! I got a call from the associate pastor while dollar store shopping for my children. When I finished speaking, I handed the phone to my fiancée to talk to him as well. A lady came to me and apologized for hearing my conversation but asked if I was talking to a pastor at First Baptist. I said yes. Then she then asked if I had a child in third grade. I stated yes! She introduced herself and informed me that she will be my sons Sunday school teacher! My phone conversation seconds before was about activities the church offered so we could get to know more of the church and meet new friends as well!
You can’t tell me that wasn’t the work of God! And these were some of the most obvious signs you could ask for. I left knowing what God wants of me!
If your a member and reading this, thank you! And if you’re a potential visitor reading this, I challenge you to try it! This place is filled with truth, peace, love and most of all God!
God bless,
Angela

Angela said...

My family visited here Dec 5th, & 12th. I’ve been looking for a church like this since I was little. I have never walked into a church on the first visit and felt a peace and sense of home like I have here in several years of searching. God is working here I feel it.
We have been looking for a church home since July. I had been looking online and out and about. We tried one out but it was a fight to get out of bed to go. We really hadn’t put finding a church home as a priority like we should have. It was an issue but it was on the “to do” list. But one day my fiancée told me he felt the need to visit this church down the road.
Our first visit we were late, but the gentlemen at the door still greeted us warmly and personally walked us to where the children go. He was wonderful, warm, caring, and pleasant!
The Children’s Church was great. My son talked about the missionaries and puppets and how fun they were. Coming from a 9yr old boy, this meant a lot to me. And child care, our 2yr olds were so happy and tired when we left they passed out in the car! They were well cared for and happy. On the second visit they nearly scaled the gate to get back in! And the reports from the caregivers show that they keep a close eye on each child and keep them changed and happy! This comforts us as parents knowing that such quality care is provided!
On our first visit, a lady who taught in China and witnessed abroad testified. She opened up and told us the good, bad and even opened up her thoughts and fears to us. She was genuine! Also a couple from Africa came to share their testimony. They had slide shows, video, in depth conversation, and my favorite...the pastor asking them questions! He was asking questions as well! This was a breath of fresh air! It was more of an in-depth look at more than just the surface mission but the deeper questions and answers lurking in minds! I thirst for knowledge and boy was it quenched! When we went to fill out the visitors’ card it had already had our names on the card!
Our second visit I was anxious and excited to go back! I don't think I have sung that happily for years! I was so happy! To our surprise, the pastor prepared a skit/mini-play himself! Too include a very ear catching accent I may add! I was completely engulfed with amusement!
I knew in my heart I was home! I knew it the first time but second guessed myself. This place is so welcoming and you get engrossed in the messages! I didn’t even need the emergency kit of sweets in my purse to help me stay awake! (A lot of you out there know what I mean!) You can feel the spirit the moment you walk in!
God wants me here and confirmed it during a shopping trip! I got a call from the associate pastor while dollar store shopping for my children. When I finished speaking, I handed the phone to my fiancée to talk to him as well. A lady came to me and apologized for hearing my conversation but asked if I was talking to a pastor at First Baptist. I said yes. Then she then asked if I had a child in third grade. I stated yes! She introduced herself and informed me that she will be my sons Sunday school teacher! My phone conversation seconds before was about activities the church offered so we could get to know more of the church and meet new friends as well!
You can’t tell me that wasn’t the work of God! And these were some of the most obvious signs you could ask for. I left knowing what God wants of me!
If your a member and reading this, thank you! And if you’re a potential visitor reading this, I challenge you to try it! This place is filled with truth, peace, love and most of all God!
God bless,
Angela

Dr. Bob Rogers said...

Thank you, Angela, for your kind and encouraging words! We look forward to getting to know you personally.