Creating a comfortable, welcoming environment takes a bit of planning and preparation, a touch of creativity and a commitment to maintaining an inviting atmosphere. Below are six ways to welcome visitors to your house of worship, to not only make a good first impression, but to also encourage retention.

1. Communicate clearly to visitors via signage

Take a moment and evaluate your house of worship through the eyes of a newcomer. Is it clear where to park, where to enter the sanctuary and where to sit? The realized fear of not knowing what to do — of looking like an outsider — could deter visitors from returning to a service or scripture study the following week. Get ahead of the issue and invest in clear signage that directs visitors where to go. The signage doesn’t have to be expensive or elaborate — a few simple “Enter Here” or “Sanctuary This Way” signs can make a big impact on visitors.

2. Better yet, couple clear signage with a team of greeters

Welcome visitors with a smile, a handshake, and a sincere, “Good morning, how are you? Let me show you where to go!” Put together a small team responsible not only for recruiting greeters, but also for training them. (While being a greeter may come naturally for the extroverts of your community, some may appreciate a bit of guidance.) Ask your pastor to reinforce the greeting from the pulpit, expressing appreciation for the guests in attendance.

3. Encourage all congregation members to play the part of a host

Your greeters shouldn’t be the only ones to welcome visitors to your house of worship. All members should try to treat visitors as a host would treat a valued guest. Reinforce this responsibility during congregational meetings and scripture studies, or via newsletters, and give congregation members tips on how to be the best “host” possible.

4. Set up a welcome/information table or create a welcome folder

If you have the time and resources, set up a welcome/information center staffed by greeters. Or, create a welcome folder to be handed out to new parishioners. Here’s where you can tap into your creativity — include in the folder anything you think would be useful to new visitors: a welcome letter, a description of your congregation’s background and vision, the pastor’s contact information, details on how to access sermons online… Determine what combination of information works best for your ministry.

5. Educate visitors on ways to become involved in addition to worship services

There are likely numerous ways outside of worship services for attendees to stay involved with your community. Make sure everyone attending your services knows about upcoming scripture studies, family groups, and service projects. The welcome folder mentioned above provides the perfect opportunity to detail future activities and events, and a simple announcement to the congregation can alert visitors of additional ways to get involved.

6. Offer visitors the VIP treatment

If somebody contacts your church to express interest in visiting or becoming a member, offer them a special, personalized experience during their first visit. Arrange ahead of time for a member of the congregation to give them a tour of the facilities and introduce them to the pastor(s).

Creating a warm, friendly environment that welcomes new visitors and encourages their return requires a bit of coordination and collaboration, but can have a lasting, positive impact on your religious community. Take the time to make visitors feel included and you’ll begin to grow your congregation.

 

The information contained in these materials is intended solely to provide general guidance on topics that may be of interest to you. While we have made reasonable efforts to present accurate and reliable information, Church Mutual Insurance Company disclaims all liability for any errors or omissions, or for any actions you take or fail to take based on these materials. The information provided may not apply to your particular facts or circumstances; therefore, you should seek professional advice prior to relying on any information that may be found in these materials.

If your house of worship struggles with declining attendance, you’re not alone. The percentage of parishioners who attend church religiously (pun intended) has dropped, most likely as a result of a combination of factors: logistical obstacles and competing obligations, for example.

Whatever the reason, the question remains: how do you reverse the troubling trend of declining participation? How do you reconnect with former churchgoers, inspire infrequent churchgoers, and continue to engage active churchgoers? Below, we’ve rounded up ways to increase church attendance:

1. Design a mission statement reflecting your desire for growth

First things first: get everybody — everybody — in your church on board with a growth-focused mission. Clearly articulate the mission, write it down, and disseminate it among the congregation. Help them understand that growing a church requires time, energy, and resources. It’s a marathon, not a sprint — a team sport, not an individual event.

 2. Create a welcoming environment for new visitors

Seems like a no-brainer, right? Create a warm, welcoming environment for new visitors and they’ll be more likely to return. Take a step back and evaluate your church from the perspective of a newcomer. Is it clear where to enter the church for worship? Are you promptly greeted by an usher or other members of the congregation? Does the pastor make an effort to welcome you and encourage you to come back? Improving new visitor retention could be as easy as implementing a simple follow-up call from a pastor. (Having trouble convincing visitors to fill out visitor cards? One congregation surveyed by Echurch incentivized visitor cards by donating $25 to a local nonprofit for every card turned in.)

3. Engage current, active members

It may seem counterintuitive. Shouldn’t we be focusing on the people who aren’t coming to church, and not the ones who already are? Not according to Carey Nieuwhof, founding pastor of Connexus Church. Says Carey, a key to growing church attendance is to turn ordinary churchgoers into “passionate champions of the mission.” In other words, drive engagement in active church members by challenging them to serve (and making it uncomfortable for them to stay disengaged), preaching action, and rewarding progress (Carey describes these engagement tactics in greater detail here). A simple way to mobilize your current members? Equip them with tools that make it easier to invite guests to church, for example, invite cards, a shareable social media graphic, or a pre-written email.

4. Serve your community

Volunteering in your community not only reflects your mission to serve others, but also brings community awareness to your church. Volunteer to clean up a local park, help run a soup kitchen, or organize a community-wide event. Echurch suggests recruiting young families by serving nearby elementary schools: help paint their playground equipment, assist with landscaping, or invite elementary school families to enroll their children in Sunday school or vacation bible school. Be sure to have church brochures or information cards on hand, or wear church t-shirts so that people can visually connect volunteers with your church.

5. Develop a strong social media presence and website

These days, a “set it and forget it” mentality toward social media just won’t cut it. To reap the benefits of social media, you need to put some effort into maintaining your church’s accounts. Posting regularly — sharing church news, event updates, even favorite Bible verses — will not only engage current church members, but also attract new members looking for an active, vibrant church community. On a similar note, invest in your church’s website — it’s often the first resource people will turn to when deciding whether to visit a church. Make sure it’s updated with church news and events; better yet, include a section where visitors can access previous sermons, so that they can get a feel for your church prior to their visit.

Declining church attendance can be frustrating and saddening, but there are steps you can take to strengthen and build your organization. Implement the above tips — embrace them as part of your church culture — and increased attendance may follow.

 

The information contained in these materials is intended solely to provide general guidance on topics that may be of interest to you. While we have made reasonable efforts to present accurate and reliable information, Church Mutual Insurance Company disclaims all liability for any errors or omissions, or for any actions you take or fail to take based on these materials. The information provided may not apply to your particular facts or circumstances; therefore, you should seek professional advice prior to relying on any information that may be found in these materials.

Chances are, you know at least one person who has been the victim of a phishing attack or data breach. Your neighbor. Your coworker. Your best friend. You. And it’s not just individuals who fall prey to these cyber attacks. Government agencies, banks, retailers… even houses of worship aren’t immune.

As reports of phishing and data breaches become more and more common, it’s natural to feel concerned, especially if you’re responsible for protecting the personal information of others. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to safeguard against cyber attacks.

What is Phishing?

Phishing (pronounced “fishing”) occurs when an individual attempts to trick a victim into downloading malware (software that damages the computer) or handing over sensitive information — for example, a username and password.

A phishing scam can be executed in a number of ways: via cold calling, emails, pop-up messages, or search engine results. Here are a couple examples:

Your Account Will be Deactivated in 5, 4, 3…

In this scenario, you receive an email: a deactivation notice. It appears to be from your internet provider (or bank, or utilities company, etc.). The email prompts you to click a link and update your credit card information, claiming services will deactivate if you don’t take action. You oblige. On the other end of that email? A phisher who now has access to your bank account.

“We’ve Identified Malware On Your Computer”

In this case, you might receive an email or pop-up message from what appears to be tech support at a well-known company like Microsoft or Apple. The message warns you of a problem with your computer — a virus or malware. The person behind the message — “tech support” — requests remote access to your computer, along with payment in return for fixing the problem. As it turns out, “tech support” is actually a scammer looking to take advantage of your trust.

Protecting Against Phishing

There are a number of steps you can take to protect your organization against phishing attacks. Start by following these preventive measures:

1. Beware of fake internet links. Sometimes, fake links are disguised as legitimate links. Before clicking a link, hover over it — you should be able to see the true URL destination. Another safety measure: instead of clicking on links, type the URL directly into your browser to ensure its validity.
2. Unleash your inner skeptic. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Conversely, if someone threatens horrible consequences if you don’t agree to their demands, you might just be the target of a scam.
3. Always verify the source. If you receive a request for personal information or money, contact the alleged source of the communication directly. In the case of the tech support scam mentioned above, for example, look up the legitimate company’s phone number and call them to verify the message.

What Constitutes a Data Breach?

Does your organization collect members’ names and email/mailing addresses? Phone numbers and date of birth? Credit card information? Unfortunately, the fact that your organization stores personal information of any kind makes you eligible for a potential data breach, which occurs when sensitive, confidential, or protected data is accessed or disclosed in an unauthorized way.

“Churches of all sizes can be victims of a malicious data breach or a simple unintentional data loss accident,” according to Tom Widman, president and CEO of Identity Fraud Inc., a corporation that helps protect against identity crimes and data theft. “Luckily, there are cost-effective resources available that can help control the risk and impact of a breach.”

Implementing Data Security Procedures

The best way to protect your organization from a data breach involves developing data security procedures. We recommend the following steps:

1. Review the data being collected and storage protocols. What types of data is your organization storing? Is it strictly personal data — name and email address — or are you also capturing things like financial data? Review how the information is stored and which staff or volunteers have access to it.
2. Classify the data. Which data can be designated as “public use” (name, email, etc.) and which is strictly confidential (financial data, medical histories, etc.)? Sensitive information should be kept classified for key personnel only.
3. Install or update a computer antivirus program. Programs such as Norton AntiVirus or McAfee^® can go a long way in protecting computers from hackers.
4. Encrypt your computer network. Programs such as SensiGuard or AutoKrypt can help protect information that is sent.
5. Scan your system for security vulnerabilities. Programs like Rapid7 or Nessus can help you get started.

Developing a Response Plan

In addition to establishing data security procedures, you should also formulate a response plan to be deployed in the event of a data breach.

“As part of the risk management plan, congregations should consider how they would respond to a breach, including who can help manage the thorny issues of breach response and the financial impact of the incident,” Widman said. “A proper breach response can help prevent a bad situation from turning catastrophic.”

In the event of a data breach, your organization should respond quickly and professionally, notifying organization members of the situation and, if possible, offering free credit monitoring or identity recovery assistance. You should also identify a professional to help manage your recovery in the event of a breach, such as a lawyer or a representative from your insurance company.

There are simple ways to safeguard your organization against cyber attacks like phishing and data breaches. At CM Select, we’re here to help. If you have questions regarding phishing or online data breaches, or are interested in cyber liability insurance that can help protect you and your organization, email CM Select Customer Service at [email protected] or call 1-800-200-5864.

 

The information contained in these materials is intended solely to provide general guidance on topics that may be of interest to you. While we have made reasonable efforts to present accurate and reliable information, Church Mutual Insurance Company disclaims all liability for any errors or omissions, or for any actions you take or fail to take based on these materials. The information provided may not apply to your particular facts or circumstances; therefore, you should seek professional advice prior to relying on any information that may be found in these materials.

If you’ve ever managed a group of volunteers, you know that it’s no small feat. From orientation and training to budgeting and delegating tasks, overseeing volunteers can feel like a full-time job — for some volunteer coordinators, it is!

Volunteers are a reflection of your organization and, ultimately, your organization is responsible for the well-being of those they serve. That’s why one of the most important things you can do as a volunteer coordinator happens prior to volunteer orientation. That’s right — before a volunteer steps through your door, he or she should be carefully vetted via background screening.

Why Background Screening?

You should screen volunteers for the same reasons you would screen paid employees: to identify potential problems, such as a criminal history, that could endanger any child or adult they will encounter as a volunteer. A solid background screening process can prevent:

• Youth abuse: The abuse of minors has become a prevalent issue among religious organizations big and small, urban and rural, throughout the country. You should screen volunteers — especially those who will be working with children — using the national sex offender registry (see below for more information on how to screen).
• Theft and embezzlement: Does your organization rely on volunteers to handle finances — counting cash contributions or balancing an annual budget? Screening volunteers who will be involved in an organization’s finances can help protect against losses from theft, fraud, or misappropriation of funds.
• Vehicle accidents: If part of your volunteers’ duties involve operating vehicles, you should first verify that their motor vehicle record reflects a safe, responsible driving history.

Need another reason to screen your volunteers? Not only will it help protect those you serve, it will also demonstrate to the broader community that you prioritize protecting common interests and preventing crime.

Background Screening Best Practices

So, you understand the importance of background screening… but where do you begin? We answer the big questions around background screening below:

• Who should I screen? Screen anyone who volunteers with children, the elderly, or other vulnerable populations, as well as those who will handle money or transportation.
• When should I screen? Screen volunteers initially, when you’re considering them for a new position, as well as annually, to uncover anything previously undisclosed.
• What should I screen? It can be tricky to identify which types of background screening will best serve your organization. We’ve partnered with Trusted Employees to help you select reputable and affordable screening options.
• How should I screen? The more access a volunteer has to vulnerable populations or your organization’s finances, the more intensely they should be screened. Make sure to screen at both a state and national level.
• Anything else? Prior to conducting the screening, get a signed authorization form from the applicant. On standalone forms, provide a clear and conspicuous background check disclosure.

In addition to partnering with Trusted Employees to help you select the best screening options for your organization, we’ve created a number of resources to help you throughout the background screening process:
Volunteer Application
Reference Check Form
Authorization and Request for Criminal Records

 

The information contained in these materials is intended solely to provide general guidance on topics that may be of interest to you. While we have made reasonable efforts to present accurate and reliable information, Church Mutual Insurance Company disclaims all liability for any errors or omissions, or for any actions you take or fail to take based on these materials. The information provided may not apply to your particular facts or circumstances; therefore, you should seek professional advice prior to relying on any information that may be found in these materials.

While it may be difficult to imagine, employee theft and embezzlement can happen at worship centers and facilities of all sizes, denominations, and locations across the country. Unfortunately, not all employees mirror the integrity of the religious organizations they work for, exploiting employers’ trust and taking advantage of their position. In fact, religious organizations are particularly susceptible to theft and embezzlement for a number of reasons:

• Financial control is often given to a single person
• There is little oversight over this financial manager, as they are seen as trustworthy
• A large amount of cash is handled

As Ronald Reagan advised, “Trust, but verify.” Read on for a number of tips that reduce the likelihood that your organization will be victimized by employee theft or embezzlement.

1. Keep your guard up

In all likelihood, you trust your employees; after all, your employees are fellow faith practitioners. However, no matter how altruistic your employees may seem, they might be harboring more nefarious intentions.

Below are a few examples of theft at religious institutions:

• A church administrator in Pennsylvania stole nearly $100,000 in church funds over a 14-year period by falsifying vouchers and payments and forging pastors’ signatures
• The former pastor of an independent congregation in Missouri pleaded guilty to felony fraud when he absconded with upwards of $30,000 in church funds
• A Florida minister pocketed $6 million in church funds after the church authorized him to withdraw funds using his signature only

Recognizing that theft or embezzlement could happen in your organization is the first step to taking precautions to prevent it.

2. Develop a simple and clear loss prevention program

One of the best ways to reduce the risk of theft and embezzlement at your religious organization involves the careful development of a loss prevention program, which is a set of policies, procedures, and business practices designed to protect an organization’s finances.

The below steps lay the groundwork for an effective loss prevention program:

• Simplify financial processes: establish simple bookkeeping processes that reduce the chance of error and confusion, and require that bank statements and accounting records be balanced every month
• Limit access to bank accounts: cap the number of bank accounts your organization maintains, the number of people authorized to sign checks, and the number of people who have access to check-printing programs
• Track your assets: maintain records on assets, equipment, and supplies, require original invoices and receipts for cash withdrawal, and encourage that checks be stamped “for deposit only”
• Divide responsibilities: establish divisions between employees who collect funds, bookkeep, write checks, and manage bank accounts; also, prohibit pre-signed, blank, or partially completed checks
• Create accountability: require documentation for all expenditures, two signatures for checks over a predetermined amount, and the written consent of two persons for transfers of large sums of money into or out of bank accounts

3. Establish business practices that include risk management procedures

Beyond establishing a strict loss prevention program, developing business practices and procedures that include risk management steps can mitigate the threat of theft and embezzlement. The following can help to safeguard your organization’s financial future:

• When hiring prospective employees or reviewing potential volunteers whose job function will include the handling of funds and accounts, check references carefully and conduct a credit check and criminal background check
• Create a policy that establishes conduct standards and outlines employee responsibilities; review the policy with employees and ask them to sign a copy
• At least once per year, audit your financial systems and practices to identify areas of weakness and areas that could invite deception; for example, track the flow of assets in and out of your organization to determine control points
• At the end of each fiscal year, review a random sampling of the year’s transactions; if there are any discrepancies, conduct a complete review
• If you suspect an employee is committing fraud or embezzlement, hire an accountant, a fraud examiner, or an attorney to review your records

 

The information contained in these materials is intended solely to provide general guidance on topics that may be of interest to you. While we have made reasonable efforts to present accurate and reliable information, Church Mutual Insurance Company disclaims all liability for any errors or omissions, or for any actions you take or fail to take based on these materials. The information provided may not apply to your particular facts or circumstances; therefore, you should seek professional advice prior to relying on any information that may be found in these materials.