Greg Atkinson Reveals Secrets from Being a Church Secret Shopper

today's on seminary resources brought to today's on seminary resources brought to you by aware three and aware three their you by aware three and aware three their you by aware three and aware three their goal is to help your church build goal is to help your church build goal is to help your church build connections using mobile technology they connections using mobile technology they connections using mobile technology they help you extend church beyond Sunday help you extend church beyond Sunday help you extend church beyond Sunday mornings by putting it in the palm of mornings by putting it in the palm of mornings by putting it in the palm of everyone's and learn more about how a everyone's and learn more about how a everyone's and learn more about how a custom mobile app can help you improve custom mobile app can help you improve custom mobile app can help you improve engagement communication and generosity engagement communication and generosity engagement communication and generosity at WWE we're three that's the number at WWE we're three that's the number at WWE we're three that's the number three calm welcome to the uncie Maneri three calm welcome to the uncie Maneri three calm welcome to the uncie Maneri podcast are you looking for practical podcast are you looking for practical podcast are you looking for practical ministry help to drive their ministry ministry help to drive their ministry ministry help to drive their ministry further faster have a sinking feeling further faster have a sinking feeling further faster have a sinking feeling that your ministry training didn't that your ministry training didn't that your ministry training didn't prepare you for the real world hey prepare you for the real world hey prepare you for the real world hey you're not alone join thousands of you're not alone join thousands of you're not alone join thousands of others in pursuit of stuff that we wish others in pursuit of stuff that we wish others in pursuit of stuff that we wish they had taught in seminary buckle up they had taught in seminary buckle up they had taught in seminary buckle up and let's get started with this week's and let's get started with this week's and let's get started with this week's on seminary podcast podcast my name's on seminary podcast podcast my name's on seminary podcast podcast my name's rich the host around these parts and i rich the host around these parts and i rich the host around these parts and i am so excited for today's conversation am so excited for today's conversation am so excited for today's conversation today's guests this is their third today's guests this is their third today's guests this is their third appearance on the on seminary podcast appearance on the on seminary podcast appearance on the on seminary podcast and there's only one other person that's and there's only one other person that's and there's only one other person that's done that my dear friend Kerry knew done that my dear friend Kerry knew done that my dear friend Kerry knew often so I'm glad to welcome Gregg often so I'm glad to welcome Gregg often so I'm glad to welcome Gregg ikenson back to the podcast Gregg ikenson back to the podcast Gregg ikenson back to the podcast Gregg welcome to the show thank you I am welcome to the show thank you I am welcome to the show thank you I am honored to be on here a third time thank honored to be on here a third time thank honored to be on here a third time thank you for having me at the three-peat you for having me at the three-peat you for having me at the three-peat that's so good that's so good that's so good that's right Greg's a great leader he's that's right Greg's a great leader he's that's right Greg's a great leader he's an author speaker has been involved in an author speaker has been involved in an author speaker has been involved in ministry for over two decades he's you ministry for over two decades he's you ministry for over two decades he's you know really a writer he trained you know know really a writer he trained you know know really a writer he trained you know his trained church leaders all over the his trained church leaders all over the his trained church leaders all over the place he's a coach and a consultant place he's a coach and a consultant place he's a coach and a consultant that's really what we want to talk about that's really what we want to talk about that's really what we want to talk about today around particularly first today around particularly first today around particularly first impressions leadership you know worship impressions leadership you know worship impressions leadership you know worship experiences he's really a great guy and

experiences he's really a great guy and experiences he's really a great guy and he's he's just released a new book he's he's just released a new book he's he's just released a new book called secrets of a secret shopper that called secrets of a secret shopper that called secrets of a secret shopper that we wanted to dig in on it now listen on we wanted to dig in on it now listen on we wanted to dig in on it now listen on seminary folks you know that I try not seminary folks you know that I try not seminary folks you know that I try not to use this channel it's just a way to to use this channel it's just a way to to use this channel it's just a way to sell books but what I do want you to do sell books but what I do want you to do sell books but what I do want you to do is I do want you to lean in today and is I do want you to lean in today and is I do want you to lean in today and hear what you know Greg's got to say hear what you know Greg's got to say hear what you know Greg's got to say because he's he's got some great because he's he's got some great because he's he's got some great resources and great help for you so Greg resources and great help for you so Greg resources and great help for you so Greg why don't you tell us why did you write why don't you tell us why did you write why don't you tell us why did you write this book why did you you know put up this book why did you you know put up this book why did you you know put up the time effort and energy to put the time effort and energy to put the time effort and energy to put together secrets of a secret shopper together secrets of a secret shopper together secrets of a secret shopper sure well I have done secret shoppers sure well I have done secret shoppers sure well I have done secret shoppers for the past nine years I was actually for the past nine years I was actually for the past nine years I was actually asked to do it by mentor of mine who asked to do it by mentor of mine who asked to do it by mentor of mine who said he thought it would be a good fit said he thought it would be a good fit said he thought it would be a good fit for me it wasn't something for me it wasn't something for me it wasn't something necessarily sought-out he just said necessarily sought-out he just said necessarily sought-out he just said Gregg you'd be great at this and I'll Gregg you'd be great at this and I'll Gregg you'd be great at this and I'll write your first endorsement and so I've write your first endorsement and so I've write your first endorsement and so I've been doing it ever since but I've done been doing it ever since but I've done been doing it ever since but I've done I've done shirts plants of them small I've done shirts plants of them small I've done shirts plants of them small chair to medium size churches but the chair to medium size churches but the chair to medium size churches but the overwhelming majority of the churches I overwhelming majority of the churches I overwhelming majority of the churches I work for are mega churches and so it's work for are mega churches and so it's work for are mega churches and so it's just a reality that smaller churches just a reality that smaller churches just a reality that smaller churches have smaller budgets and they can't have smaller budgets and they can't have smaller budgets and they can't afford to bring in an outside consultant afford to bring in an outside consultant afford to bring in an outside consultant whoever it may be and whatever they may whoever it may be and whatever they may whoever it may be and whatever they may specialize in and so when I was thinking specialize in and so when I was thinking specialize in and so when I was thinking about why I'm so passionate about doing about why I'm so passionate about doing about why I'm so passionate about doing a secret shopper and what I help a secret shopper and what I help a secret shopper and what I help churches with like I said mainly large churches with like I said mainly large churches with like I said mainly large churches with I thought why not write a churches with I thought why not write a churches with I thought why not write a book well I just give away everything book well I just give away everything book well I just give away everything and say here are all my secrets here's and say here are all my secrets here's and say here are all my secrets here's everything I look for and help the small everything I look for and help the small everything I look for and help the small church leader and so instead of paying a

church leader and so instead of paying a church leader and so instead of paying a ton of money to fly me to your church ton of money to fly me to your church ton of money to fly me to your church just pay 10 bucks and read the book and just pay 10 bucks and read the book and just pay 10 bucks and read the book and then you and you and your team can make then you and you and your team can make then you and you and your team can make these changes and so the heart behind it these changes and so the heart behind it these changes and so the heart behind it was to be a resource especially for was to be a resource especially for was to be a resource especially for small and medium sized church leaders small and medium sized church leaders small and medium sized church leaders but I believe that even large church but I believe that even large church but I believe that even large church leaders will learn something from the leaders will learn something from the leaders will learn something from the book all right now you know you and I book all right now you know you and I book all right now you know you and I are friends so I feel like I can lean it are friends so I feel like I can lean it are friends so I feel like I can lean it a little bit on this so secret shopper a little bit on this so secret shopper a little bit on this so secret shopper really come on like don't can't we just really come on like don't can't we just really come on like don't can't we just get up and preach the message and like get up and preach the message and like get up and preach the message and like do we really need to have somebody who's do we really need to have somebody who's do we really need to have somebody who's gonna go through with a checklist and gonna go through with a checklist and gonna go through with a checklist and figure out like you know how the figure out like you know how the figure out like you know how the first-time guests feel and like if the first-time guests feel and like if the first-time guests feel and like if the coffee tastes good and like really is coffee tastes good and like really is coffee tastes good and like really is that any of that any good what's the that any of that any good what's the that any of that any good what's the biblical basis for this kind of you know biblical basis for this kind of you know biblical basis for this kind of you know secret shopper experience I'm glad you secret shopper experience I'm glad you secret shopper experience I'm glad you asked because I'm very passionate about asked because I'm very passionate about asked because I'm very passionate about it practically first I would say that it practically first I would say that it practically first I would say that first impressions and guess 'sir to this first impressions and guess 'sir to this first impressions and guess 'sir to this in hospitality if people make up their in hospitality if people make up their in hospitality if people make up their minds whether or not they were returned but a biblical basis I did a study of but a biblical basis I did a study of hospitality in Scripture and it starts hospitality in Scripture and it starts hospitality in Scripture and it starts in the Old Testament with Leviticus when in the Old Testament with Leviticus when in the Old Testament with Leviticus when we're urging the stranger it goes on we're urging the stranger it goes on we're urging the stranger it goes on into the New Testament Jesus says for I into the New Testament Jesus says for I into the New Testament Jesus says for I was hung was hung was hung and you gave me something to eat I was and you gave me something to eat I was and you gave me something to eat I was thirsty and you gave me something to thirsty and you gave me something to thirsty and you gave me something to drink actually this is interesting and I drink actually this is interesting and I drink actually this is interesting and I hope your listeners were really grabbed hope your listeners were really grabbed hope your listeners were really grabbed this hospitality is a biblical

this hospitality is a biblical this hospitality is a biblical requirement for all pastors all elders requirement for all pastors all elders requirement for all pastors all elders all bishops if you are a pastor at a all bishops if you are a pastor at a all bishops if you are a pastor at a church church church you must be hospitable and I would you must be hospitable and I would you must be hospitable and I would encourage pastors to read again encourage pastors to read again encourage pastors to read again 1st Timothy 3:2 and Titus 1 7 through 8 1st Timothy 3:2 and Titus 1 7 through 8 1st Timothy 3:2 and Titus 1 7 through 8 we're at lists of qualifications of an we're at lists of qualifications of an we're at lists of qualifications of an elder and one of them is be hospitable elder and one of them is be hospitable elder and one of them is be hospitable and all throughout the New Testament we and all throughout the New Testament we and all throughout the New Testament we are urged to be Hospital hospitable and are urged to be Hospital hospitable and are urged to be Hospital hospitable and Romans 12 13 assists can contribute to Romans 12 13 assists can contribute to Romans 12 13 assists can contribute to the needs of the Saints and seek to show the needs of the Saints and seek to show the needs of the Saints and seek to show hospitality first Peter 4 9 says be hospitality first Peter 4 9 says be hospitality first Peter 4 9 says be hospitable to one another without hospitable to one another without hospitable to one another without complaint and it's in Hebrews 13 it's complaint and it's in Hebrews 13 it's complaint and it's in Hebrews 13 it's just all over and so when I did a just all over and so when I did a just all over and so when I did a serious study about it and dove into why serious study about it and dove into why serious study about it and dove into why does it resonate so deeply with me why does it resonate so deeply with me why does it resonate so deeply with me why does it just feel right I realized that does it just feel right I realized that does it just feel right I realized that it's from the old the New Testament we it's from the old the New Testament we it's from the old the New Testament we should we should serve others we should should we should serve others we should should we should serve others we should love and we should do that by being love and we should do that by being love and we should do that by being hospitable to them in to me and in hospitable to them in to me and in hospitable to them in to me and in modern-day terms that means welcoming modern-day terms that means welcoming modern-day terms that means welcoming the stranger or we would call it the the stranger or we would call it the the stranger or we would call it the newcomer the first time guests be newcomer the first time guests be newcomer the first time guests be important welcoming and hospitable to important welcoming and hospitable to important welcoming and hospitable to them yeah I love the you know that them yeah I love the you know that them yeah I love the you know that overarching push of Scripture is towards overarching push of Scripture is towards overarching push of Scripture is towards making room from the for the stranger making room from the for the stranger making room from the for the stranger whether you know in the Old Testament it whether you know in the Old Testament it whether you know in the Old Testament it was about you know leaving crops at the was about you know leaving crops at the was about you know leaving crops at the edge of the fields for people to you edge of the fields for people to you edge of the fields for people to you know eat from or you know throughout you

know eat from or you know throughout you know eat from or you know throughout you know the Old Testament they were know the Old Testament they were know the Old Testament they were creating space for people who were creating space for people who were creating space for people who were outside of you know of the chosen people outside of you know of the chosen people outside of you know of the chosen people which is incredible like that is such a which is incredible like that is such a which is incredible like that is such a countercultural idea ultimately to Jesus countercultural idea ultimately to Jesus countercultural idea ultimately to Jesus often we all know that he's obviously often we all know that he's obviously often we all know that he's obviously the ultimate example of you know dong on the ultimate example of you know dong on the ultimate example of you know dong on the cross for all of humanity which was the cross for all of humanity which was the cross for all of humanity which was a radical idea at you know for his day I a radical idea at you know for his day I a radical idea at you know for his day I think we take take that for granted think we take take that for granted think we take take that for granted but you know our and then obviously all but you know our and then obviously all but you know our and then obviously all the way through the New Testament we see the way through the New Testament we see the way through the New Testament we see this kind of expansion of you know the this kind of expansion of you know the this kind of expansion of you know the kingdom and obviously this is a practic kingdom and obviously this is a practic kingdom and obviously this is a practic outcome of that I just love that Greg I outcome of that I just love that Greg I outcome of that I just love that Greg I think that's a great you know think that's a great you know think that's a great you know encouragement to people well let's talk encouragement to people well let's talk encouragement to people well let's talk about so I understand I think I love how about so I understand I think I love how about so I understand I think I love how you're saying hey listen people can pay you're saying hey listen people can pay you're saying hey listen people can pay me a bunch of money to come in and do me a bunch of money to come in and do me a bunch of money to come in and do this this this on a weekend or you know just ten on a weekend or you know just ten on a weekend or you know just ten dollars buy it and you know it'll save dollars buy it and you know it'll save dollars buy it and you know it'll save you some which is amazing I love the you some which is amazing I love the you some which is amazing I love the heart of that but let's talk about what heart of that but let's talk about what heart of that but let's talk about what does an engagement look like when you does an engagement look like when you does an engagement look like when you know you come as a as a coach or a know you come as a as a coach or a know you come as a as a coach or a consultant on this front you know what consultant on this front you know what consultant on this front you know what is that you know what does that look is that you know what does that look is that you know what does that look like over the years that might help us like over the years that might help us like over the years that might help us get a sense of all the stuff you've get a sense of all the stuff you've get a sense of all the stuff you've packed into this book packed into this book packed into this book yeah I actually joke about this with yeah I actually joke about this with yeah I actually joke about this with pastors and Friends it has evolved over pastors and Friends it has evolved over pastors and Friends it has evolved over the years the years the years so Turk I I feel bad because churches so Turk I I feel bad because churches so Turk I I feel bad because churches that I first did nine years ago I say that I first did nine years ago I say that I first did nine years ago I say they got gypped because I have I have they got gypped because I have I have they got gypped because I have I have added so much to my report over the added so much to my report over the added so much to my report over the years and it just continues to grow and years and it just continues to grow and years and it just continues to grow and evolve and evolve and the report gets evolve and evolve and the report gets evolve and evolve and the report gets longer and longer and longer and more longer and longer and longer and more longer and longer and longer and more detailed more thorough and so one of the detailed more thorough and so one of the detailed more thorough and so one of the things I added about I want to say four

things I added about I want to say four things I added about I want to say four years ago and I don't know a lot of years ago and I don't know a lot of years ago and I don't know a lot of secret shoppers that do this but I added secret shoppers that do this but I added secret shoppers that do this but I added an evaluation of their online presence an evaluation of their online presence an evaluation of their online presence and you know as well as I do that people and you know as well as I do that people and you know as well as I do that people will check you out online before they will check you out online before they will check you out online before they ever visit your physical campus and so ever visit your physical campus and so ever visit your physical campus and so in the online presence evaluation I in the online presence evaluation I in the online presence evaluation I talked about their church website and I talked about their church website and I talked about their church website and I just tear it apart page by page by page just tear it apart page by page by page just tear it apart page by page by page and I offer suggestions for improvement and I offer suggestions for improvement and I offer suggestions for improvement and then I look at their social media if and then I look at their social media if and then I look at their social media if they use Facebook Twitter Instagram they use Facebook Twitter Instagram they use Facebook Twitter Instagram snapchat you know whatever they use I snapchat you know whatever they use I snapchat you know whatever they use I talk about ways to increase engagement talk about ways to increase engagement talk about ways to increase engagement ways to start conversations and dialogue ways to start conversations and dialogue ways to start conversations and dialogue ways to celebrate and share stories and ways to celebrate and share stories and ways to celebrate and share stories and and so I spent a lot of time and this is and so I spent a lot of time and this is and so I spent a lot of time and this is before I fly to the church Wow this is before I fly to the church Wow this is before I fly to the church Wow this is me sitting at home doing what a guest me sitting at home doing what a guest me sitting at home doing what a guest would do and that's looking at their would do and that's looking at their would do and that's looking at their website and so then when I arrived on website and so then when I arrived on website and so then when I arrived on campus you know it starts in the parking campus you know it starts in the parking campus you know it starts in the parking lot and it goes to the Welcome Center lot and it goes to the Welcome Center lot and it goes to the Welcome Center the kids check in the can I find the the kids check in the can I find the the kids check in the can I find the restroom you know sign is is so restroom you know sign is is so restroom you know sign is is so or have a whole chapter in my book on or have a whole chapter in my book on or have a whole chapter in my book on signage security is important I have a signage security is important I have a signage security is important I have a whole chapter on security every guest at whole chapter on security every guest at whole chapter on security every guest at your church and especially kids should your church and especially kids should your church and especially kids should feel safe and secure right they they feel safe and secure right they they feel safe and secure right they they should not have to worry about somebody should not have to worry about somebody should not have to worry about somebody kidnapping them or somebody harm to them

kidnapping them or somebody harm to them kidnapping them or somebody harm to them and so I spent a lot of time on security and so I spent a lot of time on security and so I spent a lot of time on security I dive really deep into the role of each I dive really deep into the role of each I dive really deep into the role of each person on a guest services or person on a guest services or person on a guest services or hospitality or first impressions team hospitality or first impressions team hospitality or first impressions team from parking lot attendant to the from parking lot attendant to the from parking lot attendant to the greeters to the ushers to the people at greeters to the ushers to the people at greeters to the ushers to the people at the information desk I just spent a lot the information desk I just spent a lot the information desk I just spent a lot of time going through their role through of time going through their role through of time going through their role through you know what they should be doing what you know what they should be doing what you know what they should be doing what they should not be doing but for example they should not be doing but for example they should not be doing but for example one of my pet peeves and I've seen this one of my pet peeves and I've seen this one of my pet peeves and I've seen this at my own church as as well as churches at my own church as as well as churches at my own church as as well as churches that I serve around the country and that that I serve around the country and that that I serve around the country and that is greeters and Usher's that have is greeters and Usher's that have is greeters and Usher's that have something in their hands meaning you something in their hands meaning you something in their hands meaning you have this single mom with three kids have this single mom with three kids have this single mom with three kids trying to corral them and rent them at trying to corral them and rent them at trying to corral them and rent them at the door and there's a guy who's too the door and there's a guy who's too the door and there's a guy who's too busy looking down at his phone to open busy looking down at his phone to open busy looking down at his phone to open the door for this struggling mother the door for this struggling mother the door for this struggling mother right or he opens the door in his right or he opens the door in his right or he opens the door in his juggling a hot cup of coffee and try not juggling a hot cup of coffee and try not juggling a hot cup of coffee and try not to spill it while he's holding the door to spill it while he's holding the door to spill it while he's holding the door open for them and so I always tell open for them and so I always tell open for them and so I always tell people be hands-free no coffee no phone people be hands-free no coffee no phone people be hands-free no coffee no phone arrived early have time to drink your arrived early have time to drink your arrived early have time to drink your coffee and chat and socialize another coffee and chat and socialize another coffee and chat and socialize another pet peeve is when people serving and the pet peeve is when people serving and the pet peeve is when people serving and the parking lot or as greeters and us yours parking lot or as greeters and us yours parking lot or as greeters and us yours have conversations between themselves have conversations between themselves have conversations between themselves and when the guest comes up they feel and when the guest comes up they feel and when the guest comes up they feel like they're interrupting a conversation like they're interrupting a conversation like they're interrupting a conversation and they look at them like may I please

and they look at them like may I please and they look at them like may I please get a bulletin or can you get out way so get a bulletin or can you get out way so get a bulletin or can you get out way so I can or would you help me show me where I can or would you help me show me where I can or would you help me show me where to park and stop being lost in to park and stop being lost in to park and stop being lost in conversation and so I just I go through conversation and so I just I go through conversation and so I just I go through some of my pet peeves and you know how some of my pet peeves and you know how some of my pet peeves and you know how to how to be more effective and to how to be more effective and to how to be more effective and efficient I have a focus in the book on efficient I have a focus in the book on efficient I have a focus in the book on children's ministry and things I look children's ministry and things I look children's ministry and things I look for there which you and I have taught for there which you and I have taught for there which you and I have taught about on a previous episode of being about on a previous episode of being about on a previous episode of being creating an irresistible Church we did a creating an irresistible Church we did a creating an irresistible Church we did a job cast on and that children's ministry job cast on and that children's ministry job cast on and that children's ministry should be clean safe and secure and we should be clean safe and secure and we should be clean safe and secure and we dove into that then I have a focus on dove into that then I have a focus on dove into that then I have a focus on the worship service experience that is the worship service experience that is the worship service experience that is sound video lights production the sermon sound video lights production the sermon sound video lights production the sermon I have been a worship pastor a creative I have been a worship pastor a creative I have been a worship pastor a creative director and a technical director and director and a technical director and director and a technical director and I've also served as a campus pastor at a I've also served as a campus pastor at a I've also served as a campus pastor at a multi-site church and so over my 20 multi-site church and so over my 20 multi-site church and so over my 20 years I have planned a lot of services a years I have planned a lot of services a years I have planned a lot of services a lot of worship experiences and so I know lot of worship experiences and so I know lot of worship experiences and so I know how they should flow how how to get rid how they should flow how how to get rid how they should flow how how to get rid of awkward pauses and song selection and of awkward pauses and song selection and of awkward pauses and song selection and one of the things I talk about a lot to one of the things I talk about a lot to one of the things I talk about a lot to churches that I serve and I serve all churches that I serve and I serve all churches that I serve and I serve all kinds size style denomination and I talk kinds size style denomination and I talk kinds size style denomination and I talk about it in the book and that is that about it in the book and that is that about it in the book and that is that excellence transcends I don't care if excellence transcends I don't care if excellence transcends I don't care if you're a traditional church with a pipe you're a traditional church with a pipe you're a traditional church with a pipe organ or an orchestra or a modern organ or an orchestra or a modern organ or an orchestra or a modern rocking Church that tries to rock your rocking Church that tries to rock your rocking Church that tries to rock your face off everything should be done with

face off everything should be done with face off everything should be done with excellence and so I love that and then excellence and so I love that and then excellence and so I love that and then another thing that I kind of dive into another thing that I kind of dive into another thing that I kind of dive into at the end of the book and this is this at the end of the book and this is this at the end of the book and this is this is another thing I always look for when is another thing I always look for when is another thing I always look for when I do a secret shopper is is the pastor I do a secret shopper is is the pastor I do a secret shopper is is the pastor accessible is he approach right does he accessible is he approach right does he accessible is he approach right does he does he disappear into a hidden door does he disappear into a hidden door does he disappear into a hidden door backstage and you never see him again backstage and you never see him again backstage and you never see him again is he escorted out like a like a rock is he escorted out like a like a rock is he escorted out like a like a rock star and you never get to shake his hand star and you never get to shake his hand star and you never get to shake his hand and so I have worked with churches all and so I have worked with churches all and so I have worked with churches all over the country some of the largest and over the country some of the largest and over the country some of the largest and fastest growing churches in the US and I fastest growing churches in the US and I fastest growing churches in the US and I have seen pastors that make a point to have seen pastors that make a point to have seen pastors that make a point to shake hands to hug to pray with people shake hands to hug to pray with people shake hands to hug to pray with people and that just comes down to being and that just comes down to being and that just comes down to being genuine being authentic being real is genuine being authentic being real is genuine being authentic being real is what I call it and so when a guest is what I call it and so when a guest is what I call it and so when a guest is visiting their church they don't want to visiting their church they don't want to visiting their church they don't want to hear from a rock star right they want to hear from a rock star right they want to hear from a rock star right they want to they want to meet a pastor a Shepherd they want to meet a pastor a Shepherd they want to meet a pastor a Shepherd and it's important to them if they feel and it's important to them if they feel and it's important to them if they feel comfortable enough to be able to walk up comfortable enough to be able to walk up comfortable enough to be able to walk up and say hey and say hey and say hey my name is Greg and and eat them face to my name is Greg and and eat them face to my name is Greg and and eat them face to face and so these are some of the things face and so these are some of the things face and so these are some of the things I look for when I do stuff yeah that's I look for when I do stuff yeah that's I look for when I do stuff yeah that's very good on that last point I was very good on that last point I was very good on that last point I was literally just talking to a church this literally just talking to a church this literally just talking to a church this week of you know less than 200 people week of you know less than 200 people week of you know less than 200 people who their pastor was struggling with who their pastor was struggling with who their pastor was struggling with being available after the service felt being available after the service felt being available after the service felt like they you know they just needed to like they you know they just needed to like they you know they just needed to you know kind of decompress and I you you know kind of decompress and I you you know kind of decompress and I you know was lovingly trying to encourage know was lovingly trying to encourage know was lovingly trying to encourage them that like hey you've got to do that them that like hey you've got to do that them that like hey you've got to do that like that's a part of your your role and

like that's a part of your your role and like that's a part of your your role and the example I always use and it's super the example I always use and it's super the example I always use and it's super humbling is you know every time I go to humbling is you know every time I go to humbling is you know every time I go to Willow Creek so large Church you know Willow Creek so large Church you know Willow Creek so large Church you know Bill Hybels one of you know arguably one Bill Hybels one of you know arguably one Bill Hybels one of you know arguably one of the most influential Christians in of the most influential Christians in of the most influential Christians in the world still stands at the foot of the world still stands at the foot of the world still stands at the foot of the stage at after services and is there the stage at after services and is there the stage at after services and is there and you know I've been there an hour and you know I've been there an hour and you know I've been there an hour after their last service an hour and a after their last service an hour and a after their last service an hour and a half after the last service and they're half after the last service and they're half after the last service and they're still people stand-in there and he's still people stand-in there and he's still people stand-in there and he's still talking to him shaking hands still talking to him shaking hands still talking to him shaking hands hugging praying you know dancing in with hugging praying you know dancing in with hugging praying you know dancing in with people and and you know there's a little people and and you know there's a little people and and you know there's a little bit of like hey if Bill can do it you bit of like hey if Bill can do it you bit of like hey if Bill can do it you know maybe we can do it you know maybe know maybe we can do it you know maybe know maybe we can do it you know maybe absolutely you know in our context very absolutely you know in our context very absolutely you know in our context very few of us have that you know opportunity few of us have that you know opportunity few of us have that you know opportunity to lead a church like that what about on to lead a church like that what about on to lead a church like that what about on the positive side are there things that the positive side are there things that the positive side are there things that you know let us in on a little secret you know let us in on a little secret you know let us in on a little secret that you're like when you see that it's that you're like when you see that it's that you're like when you see that it's like it's a bellwether or it's a you like it's a bellwether or it's a you like it's a bellwether or it's a you know it's like wow they're doing a great know it's like wow they're doing a great know it's like wow they're doing a great job it's kind of a maybe it maybe even a job it's kind of a maybe it maybe even a job it's kind of a maybe it maybe even a common thing that you're like you see common thing that you're like you see common thing that you're like you see churches do time and time again you're churches do time and time again you're churches do time and time again you're like wow I just love to see that in a like wow I just love to see that in a like wow I just love to see that in a church yeah I actually just wrote an church yeah I actually just wrote an church yeah I actually just wrote an article for Christianity Today's article for Christianity Today's article for Christianity Today's leadership journal I'm the most common leadership journal I'm the most common leadership journal I'm the most common things I see and what I did was turn a things I see and what I did was turn a things I see and what I did was turn a positive spin on it and say I love when positive spin on it and say I love when positive spin on it and say I love when I see blank and so some of the things I I see blank and so some of the things I I see blank and so some of the things I love to see is the opposite of what I love to see is the opposite of what I love to see is the opposite of what I just referred to in the parking lot I just referred to in the parking lot I just referred to in the parking lot I love to see a smiling welcoming face love to see a smiling welcoming face love to see a smiling welcoming face waving at me when I pull them to the waving at me when I pull them to the waving at me when I pull them to the parking lot I love to see and I see this parking lot I love to see and I see this parking lot I love to see and I see this a lot designated guest parking so that a lot designated guest parking so that a lot designated guest parking so that so that you honor your guests and and I

so that you honor your guests and and I so that you honor your guests and and I love to see churches that use the word love to see churches that use the word love to see churches that use the word guest instead of visitor which can guest instead of visitor which can guest instead of visitor which can sometimes come across as cold and so sometimes come across as cold and so sometimes come across as cold and so when I when I Drive in and you know some when I when I Drive in and you know some when I when I Drive in and you know some churches they even have a sign that says churches they even have a sign that says churches they even have a sign that says flash your lights put turn on your head flash your lights put turn on your head flash your lights put turn on your head lights if you're a first-time guests and lights if you're a first-time guests and lights if you're a first-time guests and we will direct you to s parking I live we will direct you to s parking I live we will direct you to s parking I live in the Charlotte area Elevation Church in the Charlotte area Elevation Church in the Charlotte area Elevation Church just knocks it out at a party two cups just knocks it out at a party two cups just knocks it out at a party two cups of this they they get first impressions of this they they get first impressions of this they they get first impressions like nobody else and so so I love to be like nobody else and so so I love to be like nobody else and so so I love to be welcome from the first time I Drive on welcome from the first time I Drive on welcome from the first time I Drive on the campus I love to be greeted by the campus I love to be greeted by the campus I love to be greeted by greeters but I always say not too many I greeters but I always say not too many I greeters but I always say not too many I don't I don't want to shake fifty hands don't I don't want to shake fifty hands don't I don't want to shake fifty hands trying to get in the door you got a a trying to get in the door you got a a trying to get in the door you got a a jungle of people you got to find your jungle of people you got to find your jungle of people you got to find your way through but if if there's somebody way through but if if there's somebody way through but if if there's somebody that just looks at me and says welcome that just looks at me and says welcome that just looks at me and says welcome and a lot of churches I know you've seen and a lot of churches I know you've seen and a lot of churches I know you've seen this a lot of churches have people just this a lot of churches have people just this a lot of churches have people just standing to the side holding up these standing to the side holding up these standing to the side holding up these wonderful cards that say we're glad you wonderful cards that say we're glad you wonderful cards that say we're glad you here or some just say you look good here or some just say you look good here or some just say you look good today today today you know are you looking good today you you know are you looking good today you you know are you looking good today you know just these amazing phone cards know know just these amazing phone cards know know just these amazing phone cards know that if I could have printed up they that if I could have printed up they that if I could have printed up they just welcome people and there's a lot of just welcome people and there's a lot of just welcome people and there's a lot of these churches and I love this they use these churches and I love this they use these churches and I love this they use teenagers right in every role that I teenagers right in every role that I teenagers right in every role that I described from parking lot to greeters described from parking lot to greeters described from parking lot to greeters to Usher's I have synced teenagers do to Usher's I have synced teenagers do to Usher's I have synced teenagers do those roles in a number of churches and those roles in a number of churches and those roles in a number of churches and we ought to let the next generation lead

we ought to let the next generation lead we ought to let the next generation lead to them they're not the Church of the to them they're not the Church of the to them they're not the Church of the future the Church of now and today and future the Church of now and today and future the Church of now and today and so I love when I see young people so I love when I see young people so I love when I see young people getting involved I think it's great to getting involved I think it's great to getting involved I think it's great to see a smiling 16 year old girl holding see a smiling 16 year old girl holding see a smiling 16 year old girl holding up a sign saying we're glad you here yep up a sign saying we're glad you here yep up a sign saying we're glad you here yep um um um the other thing that I love to see the other thing that I love to see the other thing that I love to see because this is so helpful is an because this is so helpful is an because this is so helpful is an efficient children's check-in system mmm efficient children's check-in system mmm efficient children's check-in system mmm so true by that I mean they have thought so true by that I mean they have thought so true by that I mean they have thought through it enough to have multiple through it enough to have multiple through it enough to have multiple kiosks so you have you have a kiosk for kiosks so you have you have a kiosk for kiosks so you have you have a kiosk for regular tenders that know the drill yeah regular tenders that know the drill yeah regular tenders that know the drill yeah they just come up and swipe their key they just come up and swipe their key they just come up and swipe their key swab or they type in the last four swab or they type in the last four swab or they type in the last four digits of their phone number and they do digits of their phone number and they do digits of their phone number and they do a really quick check-in because they've a really quick check-in because they've a really quick check-in because they've got the system down yep but but I love got the system down yep but but I love got the system down yep but but I love seeing is off to the side is a special seeing is off to the side is a special seeing is off to the side is a special designated first time guest check-in designated first time guest check-in designated first time guest check-in yeah because as you know there's a whole yeah because as you know there's a whole yeah because as you know there's a whole process you have to go through to get process you have to go through to get process you have to go through to get into the system to into the system to into the system to be registered to be put in the database be registered to be put in the database be registered to be put in the database and so the other thing I love seeing is and so the other thing I love seeing is and so the other thing I love seeing is that that first time guest kiosk is not that that first time guest kiosk is not that that first time guest kiosk is not empty there should be something out empty there should be something out empty there should be something out there to walk you through the process there to walk you through the process there to walk you through the process yes say let me help you get registered yes say let me help you get registered yes say let me help you get registered and the churches that get this and go and the churches that get this and go and the churches that get this and go over the top I am just thrilled I am over the top I am just thrilled I am over the top I am just thrilled I am gonna crap them and so those are the gonna crap them and so those are the gonna crap them and so those are the things that that I see more and more and things that that I see more and more and things that that I see more and more and more a lot of people a lot of church more a lot of people a lot of church more a lot of people a lot of church leaders and pastors do what I do and you leaders and pastors do what I do and you leaders and pastors do what I do and you may do this as well but every Sunday

may do this as well but every Sunday may do this as well but every Sunday afternoon I sit in my recliner I pull afternoon I sit in my recliner I pull afternoon I sit in my recliner I pull out my phone and I just scroll through out my phone and I just scroll through out my phone and I just scroll through Instagram looking at all the highlights Instagram looking at all the highlights Instagram looking at all the highlights of key churches that I follow around of key churches that I follow around of key churches that I follow around their adventure yes and I see picture their adventure yes and I see picture their adventure yes and I see picture after picture after picture of guest after picture after picture of guest after picture after picture of guest services and hospitality and the people services and hospitality and the people services and hospitality and the people holding the cars and a picture from holding the cars and a picture from holding the cars and a picture from their worship service and a picture a their worship service and a picture a their worship service and a picture a huddled picture of people praying huddled picture of people praying huddled picture of people praying together before they serve I can't say together before they serve I can't say together before they serve I can't say it enough the churches that get this the it enough the churches that get this the it enough the churches that get this the best have a pre-service huddle with best have a pre-service huddle with best have a pre-service huddle with their first impressions team where the their first impressions team where the their first impressions team where the leader and this can be a lay leader the leader and this can be a lay leader the leader and this can be a lay leader the leader looks them in the eye and says leader looks them in the eye and says leader looks them in the eye and says today is somebody's first day yeah we we today is somebody's first day yeah we we today is somebody's first day yeah we we have the amazing privilege and have the amazing privilege and have the amazing privilege and opportunity to welcome guests as they opportunity to welcome guests as they opportunity to welcome guests as they come we have the amazing privilege and come we have the amazing privilege and come we have the amazing privilege and opportunity to remove barriers and opportunity to remove barriers and opportunity to remove barriers and distractions and help people that are distractions and help people that are distractions and help people that are skeptical help people that are nervous skeptical help people that are nervous skeptical help people that are nervous help people that little uneasy that help people that little uneasy that help people that little uneasy that maybe they haven't been a church ever or maybe they haven't been a church ever or maybe they haven't been a church ever or near and so I look around when I lead a near and so I look around when I lead a near and so I look around when I lead a pre-service huddle I look around and I pre-service huddle I look around and I pre-service huddle I look around and I say this is somebody's first day and say this is somebody's first day and say this is somebody's first day and let's let's I always say kill them with let's let's I always say kill them with let's let's I always say kill them with kindness kindness kindness but what kindness let's have our game but what kindness let's have our game but what kindness let's have our game face on which is a smile let's have our face on which is a smile let's have our face on which is a smile let's have our game face on and let's serve these game face on and let's serve these game face on and let's serve these people like price would serve these

people like price would serve these people like price would serve these people and so I love that yeah that's people and so I love that yeah that's people and so I love that yeah that's very cool why as you can tell if you're very cool why as you can tell if you're very cool why as you can tell if you're listening in there's a lot packed into listening in there's a lot packed into listening in there's a lot packed into this book and Greg's obviously super this book and Greg's obviously super this book and Greg's obviously super passionate about this which is you know passionate about this which is you know passionate about this which is you know which is wonderful I which is wonderful I which is wonderful I think this is a critically important think this is a critically important think this is a critically important area for churches to wrestle with and area for churches to wrestle with and area for churches to wrestle with and you know to come up with a plan and it's you know to come up with a plan and it's you know to come up with a plan and it's it's not that it's necessarily rocket it's not that it's necessarily rocket it's not that it's necessarily rocket science it's hard to do on a weekend science it's hard to do on a weekend science it's hard to do on a weekend week out basis it's hard to you can do week out basis it's hard to you can do week out basis it's hard to you can do it once you can do it for Easter you can it once you can do it for Easter you can it once you can do it for Easter you can do it for Christmas some other big day do it for Christmas some other big day do it for Christmas some other big day but then doing it weekend week out but but then doing it weekend week out but but then doing it weekend week out but we know that visitors are showing up we know that visitors are showing up we know that visitors are showing up every weekend in our church and the every weekend in our church and the every weekend in our church and the truth the thing that really from my truth the thing that really from my truth the thing that really from my perspective one of the things that that perspective one of the things that that perspective one of the things that that differentiates you know average churches differentiates you know average churches differentiates you know average churches with excelling churches are people who with excelling churches are people who with excelling churches are people who have figured out how to do this stuff on have figured out how to do this stuff on have figured out how to do this stuff on a regular you know regular basis so Greg a regular you know regular basis so Greg a regular you know regular basis so Greg is there anything else you want to share is there anything else you want to share is there anything else you want to share about this and then how can people you about this and then how can people you about this and then how can people you know actually get their hands on this know actually get their hands on this know actually get their hands on this book if they're interested just that I book if they're interested just that I book if they're interested just that I like I said it's a it's a good resource like I said it's a it's a good resource like I said it's a it's a good resource for all sized churches but the heart for all sized churches but the heart for all sized churches but the heart behind it was to be a resource to behind it was to be a resource to behind it was to be a resource to churches that cannot afford an outside churches that cannot afford an outside churches that cannot afford an outside consultant and so I hope they will be consultant and so I hope they will be consultant and so I hope they will be blessed by it I hope they will be blessed by it I hope they will be blessed by it I hope they will be educated and learn from it you can find educated and learn from it you can find educated and learn from it you can find it on Amazon it's just called secrets of it on Amazon it's just called secrets of it on Amazon it's just called secrets of a secret shopper by Greg akan s'en and I a secret shopper by Greg akan s'en and I a secret shopper by Greg akan s'en and I would just love for people to to read it would just love for people to to read it would just love for people to to read it to implement it and execute it well and to implement it and execute it well and to implement it and execute it well and so that we all and this is my passion so that we all and this is my passion so that we all and this is my passion turn first time guests turn first time guests turn first time guests into second time guest you know Nelson into second time guest you know Nelson into second time guest you know Nelson Circe talks about if if a first-time

Circe talks about if if a first-time Circe talks about if if a first-time guest returns they are 80% more likely guest returns they are 80% more likely guest returns they are 80% more likely to get plugged in to the local church to get plugged in to the local church to get plugged in to the local church and one day make a decision for Christ and one day make a decision for Christ and one day make a decision for Christ and that if they return for a second and that if they return for a second and that if they return for a second time we have won 80% of the battle and time we have won 80% of the battle and time we have won 80% of the battle and so to me it is all about turning that so to me it is all about turning that so to me it is all about turning that first time guest into the second time first time guest into the second time first time guest into the second time guest and so I would say you can you can guest and so I would say you can you can guest and so I would say you can you can find the book on Amazon and I also link find the book on Amazon and I also link find the book on Amazon and I also link to it from my website Greg Atkinson and to it from my website Greg Atkinson and to it from my website Greg Atkinson and one of the things I'm passionate about one of the things I'm passionate about one of the things I'm passionate about right now is my new ministry to pastors right now is my new ministry to pastors right now is my new ministry to pastors of all kinds whether you find yourself of all kinds whether you find yourself of all kinds whether you find yourself being an ex pastor meaning you burned being an ex pastor meaning you burned being an ex pastor meaning you burned out you quit you resigned you got fired out you quit you resigned you got fired out you quit you resigned you got fired you get laid off due to finances you get laid off due to finances you get laid off due to finances whatever reason you find yourself whatever reason you find yourself whatever reason you find yourself as an ex pastor or you just decided to as an ex pastor or you just decided to as an ex pastor or you just decided to go in a different career direction if go in a different career direction if go in a different career direction if and we also minister to current pastors and we also minister to current pastors and we also minister to current pastors hoping that they will not get burned out hoping that they will not get burned out hoping that they will not get burned out that they will not to quit and resign that they will not to quit and resign that they will not to quit and resign and so I'm I'm the executive director of and so I'm I'm the executive director of and so I'm I'm the executive director of a ministry fairly new ministry called ex a ministry fairly new ministry called ex a ministry fairly new ministry called ex pastors calm and I would urge people to pastors calm and I would urge people to pastors calm and I would urge people to go on X pastors with an S comm and read go on X pastors with an S comm and read go on X pastors with an S comm and read through the articles they they are through the articles they they are through the articles they they are written to educate and encourage and we written to educate and encourage and we written to educate and encourage and we really want to be a resource to all really want to be a resource to all really want to be a resource to all pastors around the world this is the

pastors around the world this is the pastors around the world this is the uncie Maneri podcast stuff you wish they uncie Maneri podcast stuff you wish they uncie Maneri podcast stuff you wish they taught in seminary and we're gonna jump taught in seminary and we're gonna jump taught in seminary and we're gonna jump into the lightning round that part of into the lightning round that part of into the lightning round that part of the episode where we ask similar the episode where we ask similar the episode where we ask similar questions of everybody that was on the questions of everybody that was on the questions of everybody that was on the show and I gotta be honest when we were show and I gotta be honest when we were show and I gotta be honest when we were setting up this interview I said to Greg setting up this interview I said to Greg setting up this interview I said to Greg not Greg come on you've done that's your not Greg come on you've done that's your not Greg come on you've done that's your third episode you probably don't want to third episode you probably don't want to third episode you probably don't want to do the lightning round again he said no do the lightning round again he said no do the lightning round again he said no no I want to do the lightning round so no I want to do the lightning round so no I want to do the lightning round so so stay tuned in here do these go we got so stay tuned in here do these go we got so stay tuned in here do these go we got new content here so you know great these new content here so you know great these new content here so you know great these days what's an online resource that days what's an online resource that days what's an online resource that you're using yeah I've got all new you're using yeah I've got all new you're using yeah I've got all new Answers so and an online resource that I Answers so and an online resource that I Answers so and an online resource that I have found extremely helpful and again have found extremely helpful and again have found extremely helpful and again this isn't rocket science you're this isn't rocket science you're this isn't rocket science you're probably already using it but that's probably already using it but that's probably already using it but that's Google Docs oh so true Google Docs oh so true Google Docs oh so true I use it in writing where an editor can I use it in writing where an editor can I use it in writing where an editor can jump on and make changes and comments jump on and make changes and comments jump on and make changes and comments and edit and then we go back and forth and edit and then we go back and forth and edit and then we go back and forth but I also was just recently coaching a but I also was just recently coaching a but I also was just recently coaching a local pastor and he was telling me that local pastor and he was telling me that local pastor and he was telling me that his leadership team meeting last three his leadership team meeting last three his leadership team meeting last three hours I said what would you think if we hours I said what would you think if we hours I said what would you think if we could cut that in half to 90 minutes he could cut that in half to 90 minutes he could cut that in half to 90 minutes he said oh I'd love that I said well let's said oh I'd love that I said well let's said oh I'd love that I said well let's create a Google Doc and you list out create a Google Doc and you list out create a Google Doc and you list out each person that is a part of the each person that is a part of the each person that is a part of the leadership team email them and tell them leadership team email them and tell them leadership team email them and tell them to add into the agenda what they want to to add into the agenda what they want to to add into the agenda what they want to talk about and let them know if it's not talk about and let them know if it's not talk about and let them know if it's not on the agenda we won't be talking about on the agenda we won't be talking about on the agenda we won't be talking about it right and that they have up until it right and that they have up until it right and that they have up until about two days before the meeting he about two days before the meeting he about two days before the meeting he sent this out two weeks before the sent this out two weeks before the sent this out two weeks before the meeting they have until about two days meeting they have until about two days meeting they have until about two days before the meeting to edit to change to before the meeting to edit to change to before the meeting to edit to change to to work on the Google Doc and I did this to work on the Google Doc and I did this to work on the Google Doc and I did this for two reasons one I don't want to lead

for two reasons one I don't want to lead for two reasons one I don't want to lead pastor to walk into a meeting and be pastor to walk into a meeting and be pastor to walk into a meeting and be surprised right I don't surprised right I don't surprised right I don't to get blindsided I want him to know to get blindsided I want him to know to get blindsided I want him to know what each person is going to bring up what each person is going to bring up what each person is going to bring up and if he needs to have a little sidebar and if he needs to have a little sidebar and if he needs to have a little sidebar and say I saw you put this on the Google and say I saw you put this on the Google and say I saw you put this on the Google Doc let's go have coffee or lunch and Doc let's go have coffee or lunch and Doc let's go have coffee or lunch and discuss it and now town that also cuts discuss it and now town that also cuts discuss it and now town that also cuts down the time of the meeting and then down the time of the meeting and then down the time of the meeting and then reverse I don't want them to be reverse I don't want them to be reverse I don't want them to be surprised that way as a leadership team surprised that way as a leadership team surprised that way as a leadership team or staff they look and they know the or staff they look and they know the or staff they look and they know the agenda and everything that's going to be agenda and everything that's going to be agenda and everything that's going to be talked about including what the lead talked about including what the lead talked about including what the lead pastor wants to talk about very cool pastor wants to talk about very cool pastor wants to talk about very cool that's Google Docs is did you write your that's Google Docs is did you write your that's Google Docs is did you write your your the new book in Google Docs your the new book in Google Docs your the new book in Google Docs no but I had some recent writing that no but I had some recent writing that no but I had some recent writing that I've done including ebooks in Google I've done including ebooks in Google I've done including ebooks in Google Docs that were edited yes yes great good Docs that were edited yes yes great good Docs that were edited yes yes great good what's a book you've read in the last what's a book you've read in the last what's a book you've read in the last six months or maybe a year that's six months or maybe a year that's six months or maybe a year that's shaping your thinking or ministry man shaping your thinking or ministry man shaping your thinking or ministry man you talk about shaping my thinking and you talk about shaping my thinking and you talk about shaping my thinking and ministry the book that I am just loving ministry the book that I am just loving ministry the book that I am just loving and I'm rereading right now is half time and I'm rereading right now is half time and I'm rereading right now is half time by Bob Buford it's a great book by Bob Buford it's a great book by Bob Buford it's a great book something we could all relate to something we could all relate to something we could all relate to especially those of us that are our age especially those of us that are our age especially those of us that are our age you know he wrote the book to 40 year you know he wrote the book to 40 year you know he wrote the book to 40 year olds and I picked it up when I was 40 olds and I picked it up when I was 40 olds and I picked it up when I was 40 and started reading it and then I just and started reading it and then I just and started reading it and then I just recently turned 41 but he just to sum up recently turned 41 but he just to sum up recently turned 41 but he just to sum up the whole book it's about moving from the whole book it's about moving from the whole book it's about moving from success to significance and so with the success to significance and so with the success to significance and so with the second half of your life taking an second half of your life taking an second half of your life taking an account all your background and account all your background and account all your background and experience how does God want to use you

experience how does God want to use you experience how does God want to use you in your second half life to really make in your second half life to really make in your second half life to really make an impact to really do something an impact to really do something an impact to really do something significant and so when I came across significant and so when I came across significant and so when I came across and they had been asking me for a couple and they had been asking me for a couple and they had been asking me for a couple years to get involved with X pastors years to get involved with X pastors years to get involved with X pastors calm and I did some writing but when I calm and I did some writing but when I calm and I did some writing but when I saw that Pete Wilson got burned out and saw that Pete Wilson got burned out and saw that Pete Wilson got burned out and Perry Noble ya asked to leave in my in Perry Noble ya asked to leave in my in Perry Noble ya asked to leave in my in my heart it just broke I said this is my heart it just broke I said this is my heart it just broke I said this is something I want to give my time and something I want to give my time and something I want to give my time and attention to to be a help and resource attention to to be a help and resource attention to to be a help and resource to offer help healing and hope to to offer help healing and hope to to offer help healing and hope to current pastors and ex pastors so I feel current pastors and ex pastors so I feel current pastors and ex pastors so I feel like in the second half of life that I'm like in the second half of life that I'm like in the second half of life that I'm doing something significant so I highly doing something significant so I highly doing something significant so I highly recommend recommend recommend great what's another ministry that great what's another ministry that great what's another ministry that inspires you North Point North Point and inspires you North Point North Point and inspires you North Point North Point and all their campuses and they have they all their campuses and they have they all their campuses and they have they have several campuses in the Atlanta have several campuses in the Atlanta have several campuses in the Atlanta area it's not because there are a huge area it's not because there are a huge area it's not because there are a huge Church it's because they get first Church it's because they get first Church it's because they get first impressions and guest services and my impressions and guest services and my impressions and guest services and my friend Jason young is overall the guest friend Jason young is overall the guest friend Jason young is overall the guest services for every campus and he is just services for every campus and he is just services for every campus and he is just an expert when it comes to this area he an expert when it comes to this area he an expert when it comes to this area he goes in and trains like chick-fil-a goes in and trains like chick-fil-a goes in and trains like chick-fil-a executives and Ford Motor Company and so executives and Ford Motor Company and so executives and Ford Motor Company and so what if you've ever been to a North what if you've ever been to a North what if you've ever been to a North Point campus they will just blow you Point campus they will just blow you Point campus they will just blow you away with hospitality they really go out away with hospitality they really go out away with hospitality they really go out of the way and so one of the things I of the way and so one of the things I of the way and so one of the things I listened to your podcast on things that listened to your podcast on things that listened to your podcast on things that church leaders can learn from Disney and church leaders can learn from Disney and church leaders can learn from Disney and North Point actually gives everybody on

North Point actually gives everybody on North Point actually gives everybody on their first impressions a team a copy of their first impressions a team a copy of their first impressions a team a copy of the Disney book be our guest and so they the Disney book be our guest and so they the Disney book be our guest and so they have that whole welcoming warm friendly have that whole welcoming warm friendly have that whole welcoming warm friendly Disney philosophy and I think there's a Disney philosophy and I think there's a Disney philosophy and I think there's a lot we can learn from them very cool if lot we can learn from them very cool if lot we can learn from them very cool if you could get 15 minutes with any leader you could get 15 minutes with any leader you could get 15 minutes with any leader alive who would that be with and why alive who would that be with and why alive who would that be with and why well my heart has changed in this area well my heart has changed in this area well my heart has changed in this area after doing some serious soul-searching after doing some serious soul-searching after doing some serious soul-searching I would like to have 15 minutes or I would like to have 15 minutes or I would like to have 15 minutes or longer with a living pastor of a small longer with a living pastor of a small longer with a living pastor of a small church who assert faithfully for twenty church who assert faithfully for twenty church who assert faithfully for twenty years or longer mm-hmm years or longer mm-hmm years or longer mm-hmm more and more and more I am keeping my more and more and more I am keeping my more and more and more I am keeping my eyes out for long term pastors eyes out for long term pastors eyes out for long term pastors regardless of church size guys that have regardless of church size guys that have regardless of church size guys that have been there 20 years 30 years or like been there 20 years 30 years or like been there 20 years 30 years or like Bill Hybels 40 years and so if if Bill Hybels 40 years and so if if Bill Hybels 40 years and so if if there's somebody that has been plugging there's somebody that has been plugging there's somebody that has been plugging away week after week after week and he away week after week after week and he away week after week after week and he is faithfully shepherding a congregation is faithfully shepherding a congregation is faithfully shepherding a congregation of a hundred people or less I want to of a hundred people or less I want to of a hundred people or less I want to eat him and I'm gonna talk and I want to eat him and I'm gonna talk and I want to eat him and I'm gonna talk and I want to hear his heart yeah I just think that hear his heart yeah I just think that hear his heart yeah I just think that would be Austin very cool they might would be Austin very cool they might would be Austin very cool they might people might be listening in today they people might be listening in today they people might be listening in today they could reach out to you and connect that could reach out to you and connect that could reach out to you and connect that could be could be a cool moment well could be could be a cool moment well could be could be a cool moment well Greg I really appreciate being on the Greg I really appreciate being on the Greg I really appreciate being on the show today if people you don't want to show today if people you don't want to show today if people you don't want to get in touch with you how can they do get in touch with you how can they do get in touch with you how can they do that what's the best way for them to that what's the best way for them to that what's the best way for them to reach out my personal website Greg reach out my personal website Greg reach out my personal website Greg Atkinson com Atkinson com Atkinson com check out our resources on the X check out our resources on the X check out our resources on the X pastures calm and you can follow us both pastures calm and you can follow us both pastures calm and you can follow us both on twitter at greg atkinson and at x

on twitter at greg atkinson and at x on twitter at greg atkinson and at x pastures and then my email i get emailed pastures and then my email i get emailed pastures and then my email i get emailed all the time from pastors around the all the time from pastors around the all the time from pastors around the world my email is just my name Greg and world my email is just my name Greg and world my email is just my name Greg and Greg Atkinson calm nice Greg Atkinson calm nice Greg Atkinson calm nice thanks so much Greg appreciate being on thanks so much Greg appreciate being on thanks so much Greg appreciate being on the show today thank you for having me the show today thank you for having me the show today thank you for having me thank you for tuning in to this week's thank you for tuning in to this week's thank you for tuning in to this week's unsung re podcast don't be shy unsung re podcast don't be shy unsung re podcast don't be shy we'd love to connect check out uncie we'd love to connect check out uncie we'd love to connect check out uncie Maneri inbox you can sign up at unsummon Maneri inbox you can sign up at unsummon Maneri inbox you can sign up at unsummon airy calm and we'll send you helpful airy calm and we'll send you helpful airy calm and we'll send you helpful training resources every week plus training resources every week plus training resources every week plus you'll gain immediate access to our you'll gain immediate access to our you'll gain immediate access to our exclusive members area with tons of exclusive members area with tons of exclusive members area with tons of resources you can use connect with rich resources you can use connect with rich resources you can use connect with rich on twitter @ rich birch or through email on twitter @ rich birch or through email on twitter @ rich birch or through email rich at uncie Maneri calm don't forget rich at uncie Maneri calm don't forget rich at uncie Maneri calm don't forget to check out the show notes for this to check out the show notes for this to check out the show notes for this episode at unset Maneri calm it includes episode at unset Maneri calm it includes episode at unset Maneri calm it includes links to what we talked about today and links to what we talked about today and links to what we talked about today and more leave a comment we'd love to hear more leave a comment we'd love to hear more leave a comment we'd love to hear from you did you enjoy today's episode from you did you enjoy today's episode from you did you enjoy today's episode drop by iTunes and leave a review thanks drop by iTunes and leave a review thanks drop by iTunes and leave a review thanks again for tuning in to this week's again for tuning in to this week's again for tuning in to this week's unsung nari podcast join us next week unsung nari podcast join us next week unsung nari podcast join us next week when we'll learn more stuff we wish they when we'll learn more stuff we wish they when we'll learn more stuff we wish they taught in seminary taught in seminary taught in seminary [Music]