Your most effective welcomers at church aren't who you think

Are not your oldest members...

Surprise.

This is who we usually stick on the door to greet people.

They are friendly.
They know the answers to any question.

But, I think there's a better answer.

The best person to welcome someone new to church, aside from the minister (!), is the latest integrated member.

They will recognize the anxiety of the new person... They are the one's most recently familiar with it in the congregation.

They will be aware of some of the questions the new person will have... They had them when they arrived.

They will know the unwritten rules which are only exposed when they are broken... They may well have violated a hidden rule in the past. 

While experienced members should, absolutely, welcome visitors to their church, a far more empathetic greeting would come from the last person to be new.

Importantly, this person can, if given the chance, then share why they choose to stay.