Church Leadership Lab Ep. 155 | Greg Atkinson: How Churches Can Reach and Keep First-Time Guests
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Jan 21, 2026 
Greg Atkinson, entrepreneur, bestselling author, and organizational consultant with 30 years in leadership, helps churches improve first impressions. He shares how secret shopping reveals quick wins, tips for a smooth seven-minute welcome, fixing kids check-in friction, follow-up touchpoints that keep newcomers, and the role of digital tools and intentionality in growing community.
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How Secret Shopping Began
- Greg began secret-shopping churches after his boss encouraged him and wrote an endorsement that launched the work.
- He turned that idea into a consulting niche he still practices across many churches.
Run A Weekend Secret-Shop
- Do a full weekend secret-shop and produce a detailed report to reveal gaps in the guest experience.
- Review findings with senior leadership and create a prioritized improvement plan afterward.
First Impressions Enable Discipleship
- First impressions matter because you can't disciple people who never return after a first visit.
- Closing that back door is essential for evangelism and long-term spiritual growth.
