Pre-qualified by Social Media

The Interconnections Blog of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) in its story, "Welcoming in the Age of Social Media" discusses the added importance of making genuine connection with new comers since most people have Googled congregations they are considering joining before ever setting foot through the door. Most first-time visitors learn about a congregation from its on-line presence, and are ready to join, making the way they are received by members the deal closer – or deal breaker.

Unitarian Universalist Peter Bowden, who specializes in the relationship between media and congregation proposes a three questions every membership team should ask itself to better welcome newcomers, pointing out, “Thanks to digital communication people now expect to do the awkward church shopping online, and when they’ve found what appears to be their spiritual home, they want to visit, verify it is true, and connect in a significant way.”