First impressions are important. And while it may seem quite innocuous and innocent, an email address can play a major role in casting a first impression of your congregation.
Members and regular guests may know the personal email addresses for the pastor, office administrator, or other ministry leaders. But for those who visit your website or social media pages looking for a means of contact, what first impression are you sending?
Many businesses choose the commonly used email address info @domain.com. And for many churches it is office @churchname.
However, on a recent overseas trip, I noticed a refreshing change to this standard (as seen on church signs outside and in bulletin covers). These churches used far more inviting email addresses such as welcome @churchname and hello @churchname. My first impression was that these were churches that valued hospitality and personal relationships!
What message is your church conveying through its standard email address(es)? Is there a better way to convey friendliness, hospitality, or other values that are important to your congregation?