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The past couple of weeks in Indianapolis have been thrilling. My hometown was the consummate host city for Super Bowl XLVI. And the athletes, fans and media from all over the country seem to agree! 

All this focus on the Super Bowl and our "Hoosier Hospitality" has me thinking a lot about the local church. What "Super" lessons should churches ponder as we consider how Indianapolis planned, promoted and welcomed more than one million visitors to the many Super Bowl events, concerts and the big game?

Here are some of my thoughts ...

• VISION: The vision for Indy was crystal clear ... create a thrilling experience with varied events/efforts that will involve and draw many people (record numbers would be great!) to Indianapolis. City/state leaders, paid organizers and volunteers were focused and committed to working together for this vision. 
   
• VOLUNTEERS: More than 8,000 people volunteered. (Did you know that more than 13,000 tried to volunteer?) These folks were excited (motivated by a clear, compelling vision no doubt!), well trained through a five-part training program, and empowered to be important ambassadors for our city.
   
• THE GUEST EXPERIENCE: Organizers thought through every detail - big details and very small details - to make the guest experience hospitable, easy/convenient and memorable. Friendly greeters at the airport. Welcome cards from local children in hotel rooms. Helpful signage. Appealing events/activities. Guests were surprised (in a good way). They were comfortable. They wanted more.
   
• NEXT STEPS: Just flew in from New York? Lived in Indy your entire life? From the reports I've read and in my own experience, whenever someone was ready to jump into the Super Bowl action, it was relatively simple to learn more about taking a next step (what was happening and when, who was welcome to attend, where to park, etc.). You could look online, check local media/other communication tools or see a friendly Super Bowl staff/volunteer onsite. These folks were decked out in Super Bowl volunteer t-shirts, blue & white scarves, "Ask Me" earmuffs and/or "Ask Me" flags. 

Anyone else been caught up reading about, watching or even experiencing the Super Bowl festivities? What "Super" lessons are on your list to consider?