The English language can be ambiguous at times and we tend to use similar words interchangeably. And sometimes the subtle differences can make a huge difference in timbre of the meaning you wish to convey.
Much in the case of “visitor” and “guest”. In our weekend services we found that we were using these to words interchangeably to identify the new faces that show up at church each week. Is there a difference in how we use these two words? Does it matter? This may seem obvious to you, but it was not for us!
This has actually been a staff meeting discussion on many occasions! After much debate we have declared, at least for ourselves, that the people who show up for the first time in weekend worship are often “visitors” to our worship service, but we should always refer to and treat them as “guests”.
“Visitor” is a generic term for someone who does not yet belong. This word can refer to anyone from a diner at Denny’s to an intergalactic alien.
On the other hand, “guest” refers to someone that has been invited — someone that has been long anticipated and wanted! That is a big deal! Referring to someone as a “guest” means that we have been planning for them to join us and that we have been awaiting their arrival. It is another level or two above “visitor”.
That said, everything we do focused on new people attending our worship services has “guest” attached to it. It takes some disciple, but even the words that come out of our mouths need to convey the say idea. We have been anticipating these people walking through our doors, even if they simply wandered in off on the street! So, in print, from a microphone and in our signage we have purposefully changed our nomenclature to bring honor to every guest that walks through the door.
May your church be full of guest that will soon become family!