Recently, Melanie and I went to a new restaurant for the first time. We had received a gift card and were excited to enjoy a date night there! Rather than going “cold turkey,” we checked them out online and found their website to be very helpful. We learned about their story and of the chef’s passion and vision, and reviewed the menu. With a few taps, we read reviews and explored their social-media posts. I made a reservation and by the time we arrived, we knew more about the vibe and flavor of the restaurant and were familiar with its menu and pricing. We even had a sense of the entrees we might try on our first visit. 

Whether it is going out to eat, looking for a new home or apartment, a VRBO, a new vehicle, potential colleges, blue jeans, a purse or a new doctor, people usually start online. While “bricks and mortar” venues are still viable and essential, an online presence is more important now than ever. Most people will go online first before they ever visit an establishment. Online is the new “front door” in today’s economy. 

Why do I write about this in my article for our church? Because we are no different. According to a recent report conducted by Lifeway Research, since Covid-19, the percentage of people visiting churches in person has dropped 14 points. The percentage of people asking their friends is down 8 points. But this study from 2023 found that nearly 30 percent of people who are looking for a place to worship check out the church’s social media and 37 percent say they visit the website. People looking online is up 16 points. (Source: Christianity Today, May/June 2024, p. 18) 

What does this mean for us? By the time someone visits HRBC in person for the first time, they will have most likely visited our website. They would have watched our livestream or previously-posted worship services and sermons; read about our history, values, vision and mission; reviewed ministry programming; checked out our denominational affiliations and ministry partners; and looked at our social media and comments posted online.  When you or I greet them in worship, they are well familiar with us and are now braving their first visit.  

I am grateful that we have a very good online presence. Karen Carps, owner of GuppyFish Web Design, is our webmaster and also handles our social media. She does an excellent job helping us with a fresh, relevant and engaging “front door” to welcome those who are seeking to know more about God and Jesus.

Let me encourage you visit our website, www.hrbcrichmond.org and see all it has to offer. There, you will find links to our social-media pages. Please take time to “like” and “share” our church’s posts. This is one of the best ways to let others know what God is doing in and through HRBC. Share your comments on Google and other venues so that people might know what an incredible church family we have here at HRBC. 

Here’s the challenge: We can have the best online presence, but how we welcome our guests determines whether they return. How is our worship? Nursery? The building and grounds? The overall environment? Do we smile and engage or pass by? What first impression do they have once they have visited? All these are important things to consider as we try to reach our community.  

Let’s each do our part through digital and in-person opportunities. It’s a beautiful day at Huguenot Road Baptist Church . . . and The Best is Yet to Come! Go and tell others . . . like and share too! 

God’s richest blessings,