Can I Hold Church Services In My Home

An invitation to make the opening remarks at a church service can be flattering, but it can also be nerve-wracking for those who are new to the experience. If you've been asked to make a church welcome speech, adhering to a few tips can help streamline the process and ensure you make the best impression in front of the congregation. Here are a few steps you should follow when preparing your opening remarks for a church service.

Consider the Day

Services often serve as summaries for the events of a week. Services can also happen on special holidays, whether religious or not. As you begin to prepare your remarks, consider the events of the week and the nature of the day on which you will give your remarks. Have serious events happened that week that might affect the mood of the congregation? Have you gathered to celebrate a special or joyous day? Focusing on the nature of the day is critical in execution an appropriate speech.

With the nature of the day or week in mind, your next step should be setting a tone for you welcoming remarks. Remember, tone does not mean monotone; in other words, you can use a touch of solemnity on a joyous day or a hint of tasteful humor on a serious one. You should strive to find a balance and always work within the confines of good taste.

Start Strong

The introduction and first words you write are the ones that will grab the audience's attention and set the tone for what is to come. Using a quote is always a strong choice. You may not find your introduction right away. In fact, some of the strongest intros come only after you have written the entire piece. You can always refine your introduction once you flesh out all of your remarks.

Welcome Visitors

Greeting visitors is a key moment in your welcoming remarks. It not only creates a welcoming environment, but also increases the chances of these newcomers joining your congregation. Acknowledge your visitors and let them know that their presence adds value to the day. Find a balance between acknowledging the presence of your visitors and calling them out. You never want your visitors to feel as if they are on the spot or asking to do something with which they are not comfortable.

Introduce Main Speaker

Chances are that the next speaker will be the leader of the congregation. On special occasions, he or she might be a prominent member of your community or local government. Take a moment in your welcoming remarks to note the reputation and legacy of the next speaker and his or her impact on the congregation. Anything over the top or laudatory won't ring as true, so keep it simple and sincere, and base your introduction on your own experience with this individual.

Make Necessary Acknowledgements and Thanks

Always remember to take the time to acknowledge and thanks the members of your community who have done something significant for the day. If it is a high holiday or special event, include acknowledgement and thanks for the planning or steering committee involved in the day. If it is a run-of-the-mill Sunday, make sure to thank the individuals who do the day-to-day work in your church and ensure each service runs smoothly.

Circle Back in the Conclusion

When drafting your conclusion and wrapping up your welcoming remarks, circle back to the themes you referenced in the opening segment of your speech. This is the best way to create cohesion and help the audience feel what you wanted them to feel. If you made a joke, reference it now. If you touched on a serious subject, consider including some inspirational words in your conclusion that help the congregation process. A concise and moving ending is the best way to pull your welcoming remarks together.