Walmart Community Church

The local church could stand to learn something from the late Sam Walton. It’s almost too simple to remember. Actually, it probably is too simple to remember, or Sam wouldn’t have felt the need to remind his employees regularly. 

If Sam were pastoring today, I can envisioning him giving this speech all over again to his members.

“Now, I want you to raise your right hand – and remember what we say at Wal-Mart, that a promise we make is a promise we keep – and I want you to repeat after me: From this day forward, I solemnly promise and declare that every time a customer comes within ten feet of me, I will smile, look him in the eye, and greet him. So help me Sam.”
Sam Walton – to over 100,000 Walmart associates via TV Satellite link-up. Mid 1980’s.

I’ve heard of churches who have instituted this very idea. They call it ‘The 10 foot rule”. I think it’s a great idea. Tell all your members, and remind them every Sunday at the end of the service in some unobtrusive way (like, “and hey, don’t forget the 10 foot rule!”) that they should, at the very least, smile at everyone they pass or see at the church, in the sanctuary, parking lot, etc.

Seem a little childish? Not. Many people don’t really know how to smile. In fact, check out my confession in my post, ‘Teach Yourself to Smile‘.

Quote from page 115 of Built to Last by Jim Collins

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”