My family and I attended the Leadership Summit last week in Saskatoon (this same conference is bring held October 19-20 in Caronport and I would really encourage you to go, the content is fantastic and our church has deeply discounted tickets available since we are a partner church in this conference!). As we were driving up to the host church in Saskatoon this week my wife said, "I love coming to this church, they always do a fantastic job of hosting us with excellence." And they did, from the over the top friendly greeters and door holders, to the well thought through registration process and into every part of the conference, the volunteers at this church offered us a world-class experience. At the break there was snacks which is normal at a conference but what was really great was that they had a machine for crushed ice drinks (strawberry or vanilla bean...yum!) - this was totally unexpected and it was fun to hear the conference attendees rant about how great it was to get an unexpected blessing like that. I thought about how exceeding people's expectations, even in small ways, creates a "wow factor" that makes service "over the top."
From the conference we went to our hotel (The Hampton Inn and Suites by Hilton Airport). We had never stayed at this hotel and so we weren't sure what to expect. Several times throughout our stay (which was only one night) they offered us not only what we would expect (clean, comfortable accommodations at a good price) but also "wow'ed" us with unexpected blessings. They wrote fun, motivational sayings on the banana's at breakfast...who does that?...and who takes the time to do that just to brighten our day? They offered us convenient takeaway bags when we left for the day with water fruit and snacks - a totally unexpected but useful blessing (see attached pictures).
In 2 Chronicles 9, when the queen of Sheba saw all the wisdom and wonder of Solomon's kingdom the Bible says that it was so wonderful that "it took her breathe away." (vs. 4) She not only was awed by Solomon's wisdom and palace etc., she also gave glory to Solomon's God! In 1 Corinthians 9, Paul describes how willing he is to do what it takes to connect with, serve and then win people to Jesus. He says, "Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings." (vs. 22-23)
As I reflected on the power of "wow" (exceeding expectations), I couldn't help but think of all the small and big things people do at my home church (Victory Church in Moose Jaw) to make it a "wow" experience for our guests every Sunday. We intentionally set the table for guests at our church and it takes a ton of extra effort and I can't tell you how thankful I am for each member of our team and how proud I am of them. From the excellence of our coffee bar team, to the classy clean bathrooms, to the smiling parking attendants, to the amazing care given in our nursery and kids ministry, to the parents living room area and nursing moms room on the lower level, to the smiles and chats in the greeting time and in the lobby before and after services, I want to say "THANK YOU" for exceeding expectations, for going over and above to serve, bless and help our guests have an over the top fantastic experience when they come. This happens through all of our ministries but it also happens but every person (whether we are serving or not on any given Sunday) simply looking for ways to bless and serve others and make sure they are having a great experience while we are there. Our mission of leading people to know, love and serve Jesus is so worth our best efforts! Let's continue to increase the "wow factor" our churches for the glory of God and the benefit of those who we get to serve.
SEE YOU SUNDAY!
Pastor Dan
From the conference we went to our hotel (The Hampton Inn and Suites by Hilton Airport). We had never stayed at this hotel and so we weren't sure what to expect. Several times throughout our stay (which was only one night) they offered us not only what we would expect (clean, comfortable accommodations at a good price) but also "wow'ed" us with unexpected blessings. They wrote fun, motivational sayings on the banana's at breakfast...who does that?...and who takes the time to do that just to brighten our day? They offered us convenient takeaway bags when we left for the day with water fruit and snacks - a totally unexpected but useful blessing (see attached pictures).
In 2 Chronicles 9, when the queen of Sheba saw all the wisdom and wonder of Solomon's kingdom the Bible says that it was so wonderful that "it took her breathe away." (vs. 4) She not only was awed by Solomon's wisdom and palace etc., she also gave glory to Solomon's God! In 1 Corinthians 9, Paul describes how willing he is to do what it takes to connect with, serve and then win people to Jesus. He says, "Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings." (vs. 22-23)
As I reflected on the power of "wow" (exceeding expectations), I couldn't help but think of all the small and big things people do at my home church (Victory Church in Moose Jaw) to make it a "wow" experience for our guests every Sunday. We intentionally set the table for guests at our church and it takes a ton of extra effort and I can't tell you how thankful I am for each member of our team and how proud I am of them. From the excellence of our coffee bar team, to the classy clean bathrooms, to the smiling parking attendants, to the amazing care given in our nursery and kids ministry, to the parents living room area and nursing moms room on the lower level, to the smiles and chats in the greeting time and in the lobby before and after services, I want to say "THANK YOU" for exceeding expectations, for going over and above to serve, bless and help our guests have an over the top fantastic experience when they come. This happens through all of our ministries but it also happens but every person (whether we are serving or not on any given Sunday) simply looking for ways to bless and serve others and make sure they are having a great experience while we are there. Our mission of leading people to know, love and serve Jesus is so worth our best efforts! Let's continue to increase the "wow factor" our churches for the glory of God and the benefit of those who we get to serve.
SEE YOU SUNDAY!
Pastor Dan
