Visiting a new church can be an intimidating experience. Finding the church building, locating the main entrance, figuring out where to check in your children, and more are all aspects of that initial visit to a new church. One way to make the first encounter with your church more welcoming is with church banners.

Here are several ways to use church banners to make your guests feel more welcome:

#1 - Use Outdoor Banners to Welcome Visitors

Outdoor vinyl banners, light pole banners, or flag banners can all attract attention to the church building and help new visitors know they're in the right place. Include welcoming messages on these banners, service times, and information about special events.

#2 - Offer Special Parking

Many churches greet guests with a reserved parking spot. Set aside a few parking spaces for first-time guests. Put up signs at those parking spaces to show that these are reserved. Also, include signage at the entrances to the parking lot to direct guests to those spots.

#3 - Mark the Main Entrance

Consistent church members know where the main entrance is and how to find the sanctuary for a Sunday service. Try to put yourself into the shoes of church visitors and consider whether your main entrance is obvious to all. Maintain a welcoming environment by making it easy for visitors to find the main entrance with big, bold signs that they can see from the parking lot.

#4 - Direct Parents to Children’s Check-In

At the main entrance, place church banners that point to Children’s Check-In. Parents are already dealing with restless children who’re in a new environment. The last thing they need is to search around the church building for your nursery or youth areas. Also, consider posting friendly volunteers in the church lobby to help guide parents.

#5 - Welcome Visitors with a Welcome Center

Set up a desk or kiosk in the main lobby where visitors (and members) can get information about the church, learn about upcoming events, and more. 

Use a table throw or retractable banner to draw attention to this desk. Have church staff or volunteers at this table to provide information and greet new guests.

#6 - Decorate the Children’s Ministry Entrance

Help your littlest visitors feel welcome with fun, brightly colored church banners at the entrance to their classrooms. 

Signs that say “Welcome! We’re happy you’re here!” Or that include Bible verses or scenes from popular Bible stories can help new children get excited about church.

#7 - Help Church Visitors Find Key Rooms

There are several key areas or rooms that most first-time visitors will need at some point. Make it easy for new visitors to get to the church service and other areas with clear signage in highly visible areas.

• Main sanctuary
• Sunday school classrooms
• Restrooms
• Coffee area
• Bookstore / Resource Center

Church banners are a simple tool that can help your congregation welcome visitors and make them feel valued on their first visit.

Take one step inside your front door and consider how first-time guests may feel or what they might have trouble locating based on the signage that's currently in place. Add a few banners as needed to improve the guest experience and help people feel welcome at your church.