Pulpit and announcements

Gently and naturally making people aware that you offer translation is key to an effective multilingual welcome. A clear announcement from the front — once or twice — helps everyone, especially first-time visitors.

When to announce

• From the start — explain during the welcome segment when a QR code or slide is on screen. “If translation would help you, scan this QR code” is all that’s needed during your welcome.
• Again before the sermon — people often arrive late, and another show of the QR code before the sermon can help people engage.
• Sensitive segments — if you will pause translation for a testimony, say so kindly before pausing it so no one thinks the app is broken.

Making the use of your translation service as natural as every other aspect of your welcome is key to successfully welcoming everyone. Mention it any time you are focussing on welcoming people. eg. “If you’re new or not used to church, we usually stand for the singing and sit for everything else. We have translation available if you need it — just scan this QR code.”

Sample pulpit script

Adapt to your church voice:

“If today’s language is not your first language — or you’d simply like to follow along on your phone — you’re welcome to scan the QR code on the screen or on the welcome card. Choose your language, and the sermon will appear as text on your device. Our team is happy to help you get started; no question is too small.”

For spoken translation (audio on the phone):

“You can also turn on spoken translation in the listener page if you prefer to listen with earbuds.”

How preachers can help

Translation quality improves when speakers use the same habits they would with a live interpreter: expand acronyms once, explain church-specific terms, and leave a natural pause between thoughts. See Speaking clearly for translation for a gentle, practical guide — including why this helps guests following in the same language, not only those listening in another tongue.

What not to say

• Avoid promising perfect translation — be honest that it is AI-assisted and that people should ask if anything is unclear.
• Avoid implying only foreigners need it; second-language speakers, deaf and hard-of-hearing guests using captions, and others may benefit.
• Do not ask the congregation to download an app unless you have confirmed that is required for your setup; the browser flow is enough for most churches.

Tie-in with visuals

Use Resources for slides that match your announcement. See Attender experience for what happens after someone scans the code.