PSA: A church member told me my greeting was too pushy, and it changed how I welcome newcomers

At my church in Austin last fall, a lady said I come on too strong when I ask for names right away. She said I should just smile and let people settle in first before talking. So I started waiting at least five minutes before approaching anyone new. Now I see way more return visitors, maybe 30% more over three months. Has anyone else gotten feedback like this that shifted your whole approach to something?

2 comments

2 Comments

margaretw4114d ago

Three years back at my church in Ohio, a shy dad told me I reminded him of a used car salesman when I greeted him. That one hit me hard because I thought I was being friendly but he felt pressured. I started watching body language instead of rushing in. Now I wait until they look around or make eye contact before I even smile at them. It took about two months to break my old habit of jumping on people too fast. That one conversation changed everything for me too, sometimes the quietest people teach us the loudest lessons.

christopher_flores4614d ago

Wait, a church member actually told you this to your face? That's wild. Most people just ghost churches if they feel uncomfortable, they don't give feedback like that. Kudos to her for being direct (and to you for actually listening). The five minute rule sounds obvious now, but I bet it takes real discipline not to just sprint over the second someone walks in.