When was the last time you visited a place that billed itself as “the unfriendliest church in town?” Me either. I don’t think I’ve ever been to one. But they’re out there in spirit if not in name. Reports that one of his lay ministry students found one.
As an assignment, I encouraged my students to put on their “visitor hat” and attend a local church service to find out for themselves. Normally, students do not take me up on these kinds of challenges. Barb attended a worship service as a first time visitor the very next Sunday and reported back to me what she had experienced. Barb’s experience at this church confirmed what I feared. No one greeted her at the door when she entered the church building. A man standing in the narthex did not know what time the service began No one greeted her as she entered the sanctuary and sat down.
One woman came along with a bus load of children and gave Barb that “you’re sitting in our pew” glare When Barb went forward for communion, the pastor simply stared at her and said nothing. Just a blank stare. After the service, not one person came up to her or greeted her. After what seemed like an eternity, Barb finally left.
As she entered the parking lot, she noticed the pastor fully engaged with a church member, so she quietly slipped away. Is it an understatement to say that “churches are not always as welcoming to first time visitors as they like to think they are”? Church hospitality needs to be continually refreshed. Pastor, this is so important that you can’t afford to delegate this to just anyone.
Find someone with passion about church hospitality! Simple things please church visitors Church visitors aren’t high maintenance.
Their expectations aren’t that great. Frankly, it’s fairly easy to please and even surprise church visitors with just a little bit of effort by the church hospitality team. All it takes is for the pastor to lead with intention. Appoint a rover to watch for church visitors, greet them and introduce them to a few folks. Train the official greeters in the art of making a hospitable and meaningful greeting. Teach the ushers to actually pay attention to the church visitors, to learn their names and introduce them to others in the audience. Pastor, remind the church every week just how important it is to welcome visitors and to greet people they don’t know.
Create an opportunity for visitors to meet the Pastor after the service. Do not, under any circumstances, have visitors stand and introduce themselves to the congregation. If the worship service is full, the worship leader should have the congregation make room for late arriving visitors. Additional Church Hospitality Resources. How do you brush up your church hospitality? When it comes to the care and treatment of church visitors, there’s probably nothing new under the sun. But maybe you’ve got a new wrinkle that the rest of us would find helpful.
How do you keep the church’s hospitality fresh and responsive?
The Win Create a comfortable environment for guests by providing quality refreshments while interacting with each guest that approaches the Hospitality area. Guidelines Arrive on time and attend the Host Team huddle. Hospitality Team members should wear the provided ministry t-shirt at all times. Part of creating a comfortable environment is being easily recognizable to our guests. Connect with your Hospitality Leader after checking in.
They will assign you to a particular area and communicate any details specific to the weekend. Welcome every guest who approaches the hospitality area and assist them as needed. Consistently provide drinks and snacks in a neat, well-presented area. Hospitality Drinks. Coffee, tea, and water should be full when you arrive.
Communicate with the brewing team when refills are needed. Make sure ice bins are full. Begin filling tea/water cups with ice. Ensure each station is fully stocked with appropriate lids, coffee sleeves, and condiments. Hospitality Snacks.
Make snacks available 15 minutes prior to the service. Maintain a full supply of snacks by refilling as necessary. Maintain positive body language (smile, make eye contact, and stand with good posture). Ensure the cleanliness and presentation of the hospitality area as well as seating areas through the lobby. Stay in your assigned area until the message begins and refilling and/or clean-up is complete. Our team can’t be successful without every member!
Organic 4th edition solutions manual. Refrain from eating, drinking, or using your phone while serving. If you will miss your opportunity to serve, please inform your team leader.