Everything you do is a part of your culture. So there are many things to consider when it comes to creating an inviting culture.
The basic framework for an inviting culture is meeting space, branding, and programming. Each of these is unique to each ministry and is met with varying degrees of expertise. This basic framework is important and reinforces the culture you seek to create.
Building on the basic framework, consider your language, ownership and opportunity. Then celebrate the fruit.
Language–bring a friend. Say it often. Sure your slides, social media and brochures are on brand but are you talking about it? You talk about the things that are important to you. Do your students know that reaching students is important to you?
Ownership–the innovation loop includes others. When others are included in creating the culture, they participate and advocate for the mission. They understand the vision, generate ideas for accomplishing the vision and give feedback on the progress. You need these people in the loop.
Opportunities–students need something to invite their friends to. Special events are a given, but focus on how to establish this in your weekly programming as well. Messaging will be tricky. You don’t want to become like the Sunday morning announcements, so be creative in messaging the opportunities.
Celebrate–you need to be careful for sure, but encouraging those who are inviting others is important. Affirming words go a long way in creating culture. When introducing someone who has been invited you can mention the person that invited them. When someone is baptized, recognize those who played a role inviting them.
In a recent Student Ministry we created an invitation tree of those that started attending and inviting others. The tree represented several generations that all started with one invitation. We shared the tree as an example of what was taking place in the ministry and how we could continue to reach others.
Start rethinking your culture basics and beyond.