Name Tag Pros and Cons
April 16, 2010 | (3) Comments
You've noticed, I'm sure, that we are asking everybody to wear a name tag on Sunday. For now, we're using temporary, peel-off name tags. Eventually, we plan to provide everyone with a permanent name tag. The question is, Why are we doing this?
The more common objections are:
- "It feels like we're a business rather than a church."
- "I do this at work. I don't want to do it at church too."
- "It's inconvenient."
- "It messes up my clothing."
- "I want to be anonymous."
Some of these may be legitimate reasons not to wear name tags on Sunday. But I believe the "pros" outweigh the "cons."
Name tags are an important piece of our mission. UPC exists to be a community of grace making a difference in the lives of people in East Orlando and around the world. To be a community of grace requires that we know one another and be personal with each other. We've all had the awkward experience of forgetting someone's name. It's embarrassing to have to ask his or her name again and again. Rather than look dumb, often we avoid the person - and that's not good for body life! Because it's impossible to remember everyone's name, it really helps when you can glance at someone's name tag and refresh your memory. We like hearing our name being spoken - it's affirming. As we speak each other's name, we are emulating Jesus, of whom it is said "He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out" (John 10:3).
Even more importantly, we are a church that wants to grow. We want to see new people worshiping God and coming to know Jesus week after week. Knowing and speaking a guest's name helps him or her feel welcome, valued, and cared for. If we're going to ask guests to share their names with us, we need to share our names with them and with each other.
In every culture, a person's name is an important part of his or her identity. Sharing your name is where self-disclosure and relationship begin. Please take a moment to peel off a name tag, write your name on it, and slap it on when you arrive at the Worship Center each week.
Previous Comments
Matthaeus Flexibilis on April 16, 2010
I’m down with name tags, but I wonder about permanent tags vs. temporaries. Permanent tags theoretically reduces waste, which is good, but will they make new people feel like outsiders? When does someone earn a permanent tag? Will people remember to bring (or to turn in) their tags every week? What about the effect of permanent tags on our budget (they typically aren’t cheap, but maybe they’re more affordable in bulk than when the officers got a handful of them)? Who pays for lost tags?
Just some thoughts.
Karin on April 19, 2010
What about having a name tag included in the bulletin and then when you sit down (and fill out the info sheet!) then you can slap on the nametag as well? I’ve missed the nametag table the last few weeks because I’m running late and rushing in.
Not that I want to wear a nametag…..but since it sounds like they are here to stay, I figured I’d make the best of it
Mike Osborne on April 21, 2010
Matt: I’m inclined to agree that peel-off name tags are probably the simplest, best option. Permanent ones are costly. But more problematic are the logistical issues you raise.
Karin: We talked about your idea at staff meeting on April 20. The problem is the trash left behind after people peel off their name tag. Also, in many cases people only get one bulletin per couple or family. So some people would still be left without a name tag.