Hints and Tips

Outside: inside: prayer: tell the story: music: money : visitors book: genealogy: children

Connections - partnerships: 

Could the place of worship encourage people to visit other attractions (especially other Places of Worship) nearby and directions of how to get there.

Is the place of worship proactive about encouraging schoolchildren and college students to see the building and grounds as a place of study across many disciplines in the curriculum?

Could there be an information board which helps visitors find

•             petrol/diesel

•             food

•             accommodation

•             vet

•             doctor

•             Chemist

•             library

•             transport -timetables and stopping places

•             Citizens advice

•             events in other venues

Could there be a map of the area to help visitors find the above?

Outside the Place of Worship

Is it obvious that the church is open? - is there a sign saying the church is open?

Is the entrance obvious and accessible?

Are there any physical or other barriers to the entrance?

Does the Notice Board give the information people want - does it welcome everybody - is it up to date?

Churchyard

Could any of the grounds be developed ecologically?

Could the various plants, bushes and trees be identified on a plan and displayed?

Inside the Place of worship:

Are the building and surrounds welcoming?

Is it well lit? - trip switches can make economic sense

Is it warm?

Is there a brief (and free!) leaflet for finding a way around?

Does the leaflet include a brief message about Christianity?

Is all literature clear and welcoming (even for the visually impaired) - are there any aggressive 'Do Not' ... notices?

Is the literature accessible for everybody?

Is there some token (a prayer card/bookmark) for people to take home by which they will recall their visit?

Is it clear how a priest can be contacted?

In how many languages is there a welcome sign?

In how many languages is the literature for visitors?

Prayer

Is there a dedicated place for prayer with prayers available as an aid?

Is there a prayer request card system/book? - will it be clear when these prayers will be offered?

Could each place in the church be interpreted by a short passage about:

• its function

• a very short piece about any architectural worth -e.g. The font is used for Baptism - this font is made of Sutton Stone and is of Norman origin

• and a prayer e.g. at the font - for new life.

Quiet

Is there a request for people to keep quiet at certain times and/or in certain places?

Tell the story

Can the various artefacts etc. be used to tell of people - the story of the community through the ages as well as any architectural worth.

Music

Any live music will almost always be appreciated - some places of worship use soft taped music to great effect.

Money

Is there a clear encouragement to make a donation - a box near the exit (regularly emptied) with a sign saying Thank You can be very effective.

Visitors Book

Very useful for estimating numbers attending the place of worship - a quality loose leaf binder enables pages to be removed in case Lord Lucan/Elvis/Mickey Mouse visit or even unwanted language! There could there be a column asking people if there was any specific reason for their visit (this could help with future marketing)

Encourage people if they are uneasy about writing their address to put the first part of their post code (e.g. NP11) this will help you build up a picture about from whence your visitors have come.

Genealogy

Are church records available - in digital format, could the inscriptions on the gravestones be transcribed and logged on a plan?

Children

Are children made to feel especially welcome?

Could there be a separate internal noticeboard used for and by children?

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