What the Church Can Learn from Chick-Fil-A

Today, I visited a Chick-Fil-A and dined in with my wife. I reflected on my visit and thought a couple of things the Church could learn from this very tasteful Fast Food restaurant in treating people.

1:: Always Smile.

There were smiles on all but one worker’s face. Whether it was put on or genuine, I don’t know, but I do know that smiling is very contagious. Having the lady greeting me at door and telling me “Welcome to Chick-Fil-A,” with a big smile provoked me to smile.

How many churches do people go to where most of the volunteer team is not smiling? Do a survey this Sunday and count how many from your team are smiling?

Church is a place full of people who have received the greatest gift of all and the smile on our faces should let people know that when they enter our facilities?

Reflect:

Greeters always smile. Well l, in my mind, that is a given. But what about the volunteer at the children’s check-in? Are smiles on the the faces of the people wiping down the countertops or picking up the trash?

Are your band and singers smiling?

How about your camera men?

Or, how about you, Pastor? Are you showing your pearly whites while you speak?

2:: “It is my pleasure.”

I heard this phrase several times and that clearly communicated to me that they were there to serve me.

Is the goal of your volunteers to fill a spot or is it to truly serve? Too many times I think we get so involved in the task that we lose the attitude that we are to serve.

A servant atitude is something that is modeled before it is multiplied. Leaders, your volunteers will replicate your attitude? When you begin to serve your volunteers, they, in turn, will begin to serve others.

Reflect:

Leaders, are you leading the way by serving your volunteers?

Are peoples needs or the task at hand more important?

3:: Anticipate peoples needs.

When Cassie and were getting ready to leave, the same lady that greeted us, casually asked us if we would like a refill before we go. After declining her mindful request, she gracefully took the tray from without me knowing what really happened and discarded of my trash.

She was anticipating what I may need and offered to help.

A lot people will walk into our facilities but never request assistance and because they never make the request, their needs will go unmet and opportunities to serve them will pass us by.

When you anticipate someone’s needs you make the request for them and give them the opportunity to accept.

This requires you to think ahead of the arising need that person will have and ask the question for them. The lady coming to the door with a kid in each hand and a bag on her shoulder might not just need the door opened but maybe could use some help in checking in her kids.

Anticipate. Think ahead. Don’t react. Take the initiate in the form of a question.

Jesus didn’t come be served but to serve and give his life as a ransom for many. (Matthew 20:28)

I’d love to hear your comments on this.