A dark reality exists for many Christians that deep down they don't talk about at parties. Many Christians, if they would be totally transparent, are extremely nervous to bring their unchurched friends to their weekend services.

This concern comes from a variety of things. Lack of excellence, outdated music, rude members and boring sermons are just a few of many hurdles Christians must overcome before inviting their friends who are unchurched.

This past Sunday my wife received a phone call from a friend who joyfully said, "The young couple we just met came to church today. They had a great time. I am so proud of our church." I immediately followed up to find out what were the key factors in this young couple, who also had a newborn baby, having such a great experience.

The following are 11 types of churches you are excited to take your unchurched friends to:

1. Church members that act like they are expecting unchurched people to show up. This church had clear signage upon entering the property that directed them directly to easy-access Visitor Parking.

2. Church members that are genuinely glad unchurched people showed up. Upon entering their parking space, an attendant opened the door of the wife and helped them get their newborn baby out of the vehicle. As they walked toward the building, the attendant said, "We're glad you're visiting with us today."

3. Churches that have people designated to serve them. Upon entering the church building, the attendant handed the family over to a nice female greeter. This was the second point of contact in just a few moments.

4. Churches that give unchurched people multiple options. The greeter then provided the family multiple options on what to do with their baby—nursing room, nursery or the best places to sit in the sanctuary.

5. Churches that are proactive and well-informed. After presenting the mother with the three options, she then gave her a tour of each area. The greeter was well-informed on both the church as well as the needs of this young family.

6. Churches that are concerned with their children's safety. Security and the safety of children are big deals to both church and unchurched people. The greeter went over how the entire security process worked if they chose to leave their baby in the nursery. This included a numbering system which would be shown on an overhead screen. The visiting mother was also introduced to another lady stationed just outside the sanctuary doors who would escort her back to the nursery if she needed to leave the service and see her baby.

7. Churches that are generous to unchurched people. After taking her on a tour and making sure their baby was adequately cared for, they were given a gift which included a wrapped mug with a Starbuck's gift card.

8. Churches that meet the needs of unchurched people. After receiving their gift, the couple was taken to the church cafe where they were served quality (not cheap) complimentary coffee and muffins. At this point they are ready to attend the morning worship service.

9. Churches that create services unchurched people love to attend. The young husband was ambushed by a worship service unlike anything he attended as a boy. What a pleasant surprise.

10. Churches that create memorable events for unchurched people. The church happened to be taking family photos this past Sunday. With their baby just being a couple of months old, the family received a tangible memory for their first outing together.

11. Churches that unchurched people come back to. The couple told my wife's friend, "This was great. We'll be back next week."

Is your church a place Christians are excited to take their unchurched friends to? Use this list of 11 practices to judge how you are doing.

Brian Dodd's daytime job is as a Generosity Architect and leadership consultant for INJOY Stewardship Solutions. During the last 10-plus years, he has spent each day having one-on-one conversations with many of the greatest church leaders in America. He also has over 25 years of church volunteer and staff experience. Check out his blog: Brian Dodd on Leadership.

For the original article, visit pastors.com.

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