When a person steps into a church for the first time, he or she
evaluates the atmosphere.
Will they accept me?
Will it be easy to make friends?
Will it be easy to find my way around?
Will my spiritual and personal needs
be met?
Will my family like it here?
Will I be comfortable with the style
of worship?
The newcomer will quickly come to some conclusions during the first
few minutes. First impressions are often lasting impressions. Consequently,
the ministry of the greeters is one of the most important things that happens
in any congregation! Sometimes it is called "foyer ministry."
The greeter performs a major role in ensuring that people see and experience
the love and fellowship available in our church. In Christ, you have received
God's unconditional love, and, in Christ, you are called to extend that
same unconditional love to others. The ministry of greeting is perhaps
one of the most crucial in the church because it is one of the most visible.
1. Contact With Newcomers.
When you notice unknown guests, introduce
yourself first. While it may be somewhat difficult for those of us
familiar with the church family to brazenly greet strangers new to the
church, we need to remember it is much more difficult for them to approach
us first. Keep your hands at your sides and not in your pockets or
behind your back … this way we create a more welcoming impression.
Extend a welcome, and then ask for the visitors' names.
See if they need help in finding a seat.
Let them know that you are available to answer questions and provide
directions. If they have infants, make sure that they know the nursery
is available (infants - 4-yr-olds) and help them find it if necessary. For older visitors,
you might inform them of the quilts, large print hymnals, and listening devices. For someone in a wheelchair, show them the locations to use. Let them
know how much we’d appreciate it if they could fill out the attendance
pads.
2. Take an Interest in People.
The congregation depends on the greeters
to make the church personal. If you really care about people, they will
be able to see it. Some are shy and will want you to preserve their dignity
by not being too forward. Others are gregarious and want to be asked questions.
Try to sense needs such as those who are confused about the location of
children's activities or need access to a rest room, etc. Be as helpful
as you can.
3. Invitations to Join Small Groups.
Make sure you let them know about our
Sunday School classes. If time permits, go into more detail about
the various small groups in the church. You may direct the conversation
based on the visitor … for example, if they have teenagers, make sure you
let them know about UMY.
Make sure you invite them to our monthly
covered dish supper on the 3rd Sunday of each month. You might
let them know that as a guest, they don’t have to bring anything (though
they’re more than welcome to).
4. Listen for Deeper Needs.
Be alert for visitors who appear uncertain
or confused, especially when service is crowded. Remember, many of our
congregation are distracted with other church business and may not notice
newcomers. The greeters must make an extra effort to make these people
feel welcomed.
People come to church burdened with
hurts, disappointments and personal crises. As you have opportunity, steer
hurting people to those in the church family to whom they can turn for
help. Use your knowledge to meet people at their points of need.
If you are unsure, check with the pastor.
5. Distribute Materials.
Your task as a greeter has more to do
with relationships than handing out the church bulletin. But printed
materials are something that can provide the guest with information during
and after worship. Make yourself aware of the various brochures and
printed literature we have available so that you can give them out as needed.
Other things to consider:
- While greeters see many friends, remember to save all visiting until
at all guests are attended to. It is far too easy to get caught up
in conversation and forget to greet other folks as they come in.
- Since you may be their first connection to our church and/or United
Methodism, do your homework to learn about our history and our denomination.
- Make sure you know where the first aid kit is located (in the narthex
closet) and how to use it.
- Remember many times you are the first contact new people will have
with our church.
Greeter Teams: Each greeter team has 6 members: 4 greeters (2 outside the front door, 1 at the arcade door, and 1 at the nursery door and 2 ushers (inside the front door). Each Sunday will have a team leader. If a member of the team can't make it, the leader should be notified. Either that member or the leader should find a replacement.
Responsibilities:
Usher - help people if they have questions or to find seats; clean up after the service (e.g. bulletins left on pews); pick up attendance sheets after the service
Greeter - welcome people into church and distribute bulletins before the service, bless and thank people leaving after the service; one greeter needs to identify anyone that needs communion brought to them and let the pastor know
8:45 Teams - arrive by 8:30am
11:00 Teams - arrive by 10:45 am
All - know where everything (shawls, tissues, large print hymnals, supplies, etc.) is kept; know the Sunday School classes and where they are located
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