I participate in many Facebook groups.

I’m a member of more than enough of these groups. However, my motive is mutual benevolence. I’m here to learn from others and help others when possible. There’s no better feeling than knowing that I have helped another person.

Sometimes, a fellow minister just needs to ask some things out loud. There’s nothing like a safe environment in which to bounce ideas around.

Recently, I read this question. “What are the small church givens that should always be in place no matter the particular community or denomination but are not talked about as much because they are given?”

The question called my mind to action. I interpreted “givens” to mean must-haves. And so I thought I’d share my list of small church must-haves with my receptive Kingdom-minded friends. They’re listed here without any thought about the order in which they should come.

1. Your appearance matters.

The external appearance of your campus and buildings is a given to me. You don’t have to have the newest or largest facilities to pursue neatness and cleanliness with excellence. Pretend that cleanliness is next to godliness. Go after the white glove award.

2. Your friendliness matters.

The friendliness that first-time guests can easily sense is another given, and it costs nothing. The people who are coming to your worship services need a friend. They already have enough people with whom the relationship is mutually tolerant. Being friendly to the people you already know is not what I mean. I’m speaking about authentic hospitality or kindness to strangers. Without it, you won’t grow much. Since Jesus is a friend of sinners, it only makes good sense that His followers be friendly to them, too.

3. Your signage matters.

On-site signage is a given, too. Indication signs that point to what door to enter and the service times are must-haves if you want new people in your services. Recently, I’ve even found it necessary to have signage on the parking grounds. These indicate guest parking spots and give directions to grass lots for use when the paved one is congested.

4. Your website matters.

It’s a digital world in which we live. Any church without a website is without a front door. That’s because the average prospective unchurched guest will want to know something about your church before they experience your service in person. Use that to your advantage and tell the story you want them to know. Said differently, instill in them a confirmation bias that you are the church they’ve been looking for. A simple, no-frills website geared toward outsiders is a must-have. And please make the service times and physical address prominent on the front page.

5. Your pastor matters.

My last item on this list is such a given that you might consider me too obvious. Regardless of the community or the denomination, every church needs a caring pastor. This person understands the grace of God and flows in humility. Every church needs a God-called servant leader who moves among the congregation with compassion. This individual will preach the Gospel with their life and their words.

---

Is your church missing the mark on any of these? How can you help? Your leadership probably already knows the need and would appreciate some help with the solution.

This article also appears on my friend Karl Vaters’s ministry website. You’re missing out if you don’t read from Karl’s site.