If you read this post last week, you will know I had surgery on my finger.   They told Jo the surgery went well.  I trust them in that since I didn’t stay awake to watch them.  🙂  I do know-and can tell you with absolute certainty-that typing with an index finger sticking straight out is a nuisance, not very coordinated, and very time-consuming.   Now…you may find this very odd (not me but what I am going to say) but…

I HAD ONE OF THE BEST EXPERIENCES OF ANY TIME IN SURGERY THAT I CAN EVER REMEMBER HAVING

I know what you are probably thinking right now: the guy is whacked!!  And you may not be very far off…just ask Jo.  I think she sometimes wonders what she got herself into almost 39 years ago.  😀  I make that statement because of several factors.  Here they are:

1. A clean, bight atmosphere
2. A friendly receptionist who checked me in
3. A nurse (named Patty) who acted like she liked her job, laughed easily, and interacted with me.  We talked like we were long lost friends, which Jo accuses me of not having a problem with. 
4. The doctor’s nurse (Rebecca) who came by to see how I was doing and if I had any questions. 
5. The anesthesiologist (Dr. Walker) who came by to double check on my desire to be awake with only a local, but who convinced me that being asleep would actually be better. 
6. The doctor (Dr. Mast) whom I trusted to do the job on my finger so I could use it again.  I also found out at check-in that he had a vested interest, i.e. partnership in the surgery center, which boded well for me. 
7. Adequate written instructions were given to Jo for follow-up.
8. A phone call on Friday to check up on me and to see how I was coming along.
9. A survey to return.

I had a great experience at the Surgery Center.  Would I go back?  Man, that is a loaded question!  😛   ‘Course I don’t want to, but if I needed to…without hesitation.

You probably know what is coming.  The inevitable comparison to the church.  And rightly so.  If something like a Surgery Center gets things right concerning customer relations,  how much more should the church?   Take a look at those 9 characteristics I just highlighted.  How well does your church do those things?  Better yet, how much are you in the mix of making those things happen?  It is often easier standing on the sidelines complaining than getting involved in making that good impression.

How does your church community do with first second third impressions? Which of the 9 stood out to you?  How involved are you in this area of your church life?  And remember: it doesn’t have to be in an official capacity. 

Meanwhile, does someone want to come type for me?