There are two different ways to communicate a message from someone: with words and without words. Many times, the message we communicate underneath our words carries greater weight and makes a stronger first impression. 

Whether you realize it or not, your church environments communicate certain messages to your first-time guests. Let’s take a look at some of the subtext you may or may not realize you’re communicating to your first-time guests through your Kid’s Check-In station.

1. We’ve been expecting you. Have you ever been invited to someone’s house and when you arrived, they seemed surprised that you actually showed up? Then you walk in and it is clear they weren’t expecting you? How awkward is that?!? As a church that is inviting people from the community to find life in a relationship with Jesus, it is important to always be prepared to receive people. That means you are fully staffed with volunteers AND you have a process for getting kids checked in. Clear signage that tells me where to go and where my child will be for the next hour or so go a long way to communicate this message. If you aren’t expecting me when I show up, we’re not off to a good start. 
2. Your child will be safe. If I am visiting your church and stop at the station to check-in my kids, one of the first things I’m looking for is hints that they will be safe in your care. There are little things you can do to communicate the safeguards you have taken to ensure my children are safe. Things like… Does your check-in form have any area where I can share any special needs that may arise for my child? Do I see clearly marked fire exits? Is there any mention of background checks for adult and teenage volunteers? 
3. Your child will be secure. Safety and security are in the same family, but they are not the same. If I have any indication you could lose my child or some, unauthorized person could walk into the children’s environments unhindered, I’m not going to be able to focus on anything else during the worship service. Little things like security cameras, monitors, security doors, and name badges for authorized personnel go a long way to communicating your emphasis on the security of my child.
4. Your child will have fun. Right behind safety and security, I want to know that my child will have a good time in your care. This isn’t about entertainment necessarily, but about engagement. Will they be engaged in an environment where they can grow in their own relationship with Jesus? There are little ways you can communicate this message even before they enter a classroom if you are strategic with the design of your check-in backdrop, table, and classroom signage. 
5. You will be among friends. Do the people who my child and I first engage with give off any air of being friendly? They better. Even on a stressful day where the check-in printer isn’t working right and someone didn’t show up, leaving other volunteers short-handed, I want to see smiles from those folks. If the volunteers are pleasant, chances are the small group leaders, and kids within the classrooms will also be pleasant. 

Our aim is to be a resource to the local church and to church planters. We have a team of relationship specialists available to discuss your needs with you to see what would be the best use of your funds. Reach out today to request a free, no obligation consultation by emailing us at [email protected].