Hospitality Team

1. Have you cultivated a real “Realm/Kingdom of God”  and  “Heaven on Earth” mindset about worship, the congregation, the ministers, the leaders and the property? (Mark 1:14-15 et al.) 

a. Revisited the general understanding of the “Gospel” – “Good News of Jesus Christ."

b. Realized that God's love in Jesus Christ means that we've been invited to live on the "Porch of Heaven", in Christ's presence, enjoying a taste of Heaven even as the fullness of Heaven still awaits us. 

c. Living on the porch gives truth that we are still "IN the world but not OF the world." 

2. Have you all explored and started to act like “Citizens of Heaven?” (Phil 3:20) a. What does it mean to live a more sanctified life? 

b. What serious steps have you and the congregation taken to live close to God than you ever have before  

c. Have you looked at the New Testament from the viewpoint of someone already living on Heaven’s Porch, that place within God’s embrace, while knowing that’s there much more to come.  (i.e. “seeing through a glass darkly.”) 

3. Are you still expecting “Visitors” and “Guests” instead of “First Time Worshippers?” (If so, you have returned to the 1960’s-70’s.)

 a. Everyone in a worship service is invited into an attitude of praise, confession, gratitude and service.

 b. If we truly welcome everyone, then we need not divide them out by labeling them Visitors or Guests. 

c. Christ’s unconditional love sees us all not just as we are, but as we can be.  

4. Have you trained Greeters, Ushers, and a good number of regular worshippers in the steps to being “Extravagantly Hospitable?” i.e. Do longtime worshippers sit in the middle of the pews? There are several sources to help  train the congregation in hospitality:

 a. “The Art of Hospitality”  - Cokesbury 

b. “Ten Best Practice Tips for Hospitality Teams”  Lewis Center for Church Leadership www.churchleadership.org 

c. “What is Hospitality” by Philip J. Brooks  www.ResourceUMC.org 

d. “Duties of a Church Hospitality Committee”  Evangelism Coach www.evangelismcoach.org 

e. “Free Church Hospitality Guide” by Vanco www.vancopayments.com 

f. And more..... 

5. Are your bathrooms and  parking lots clean and attractive? 

Is your campus signage up to date, clean and easy to read?

 a. The two most important features that leave a lasting impression are the restrooms and parking lots. 

b. Women with children are especially concerned when a restroom is not clean and neat. 

c. An ill kept parking lot will encourage people to turn around and leave. 

d. Parking lot greeters can help welcome and set the tone for the whole morning.  

e. Signage is critical for the message that you are ready and welcoming for new worshippers. 

6. Are your Website, Facebook, Instagram, Google, Yahoo and Yelp pages attractive and up to date regarding Church activities? These “Front doors” now are accessed by 99% of your first-time worshippers BEFORE they arrive.  

a. Website are your must have “first impression” 

b. Younger Adults can help you sketch out great websites.  

c. Many website companies now offer templates that make designing a website easy. 

d. For extra money, a custom designed website can be constructed. 

e. Facebook, Instagram, Google, Yahoo and Yelp pages are all windows into your church. They are easy to set up. 

f. Make sure you keep the material fresh and that someone is monitoring them regularly 

7. Do you have up-to-date, well-designed flyers and newsletters ready to hand out? 

a. Many people (especially older ones) still respond to the printed word on paper.  

 b. A strategy of “many channels of information” is worth the effort.  

c. The more ways you can remind people of who you are and what you are doing the better. 

d. A well-designed brochure for new worshippers to take home will remain on the counter or desk top for many days, perhaps weeks, reminding them of their connection with you.   

8. Do you rely on a “Guest Book” for sign in information? (If so, take another step back to the 1960’s)  Individual cards in bulletins encourage a greater success rate.  Everyone having the same “Hi, I’m_____” tear off name tags is even better. (Not “Visitor” & “Member”.) Bonus points for a Church Registration App with a “QR” code in the bulletin to guide their cell phones to it.  

a. Let people know that they are part of the family as soon as they walk through the doors. 

b. Clearly identify your “Connections greeter” along with a “Welcome Desk/Table” with materials and other friendly people around it. 

c. Registration Cards 

i. Have EVERYONE fill them out and wear a name tag. Guests will be encouraged to do so as well.  (Some churches phase out the old “permanent” name tags to help everyone fit in.) 

ii. Order Registration Cards from Cokesbury Christian Books or Whitewing Books.

 iii. Or contact Lancaster UMC (CA) for their special design and have a local printer make them up.   

9.   Are the bathrooms and the parking lots clean and attractive? Is your campus signage up to date, clean and easy to read? 

a. The two most important features that leave a lasting impression are the restrooms and parking lots. 

b. Women with children are especially concerned when a restroom is not clean and neat. 

c. An ill kept parking lot will encourage people to turn around and leave. 

d. Parking lot greeters can help welcome and set the tone for the whole morning.  

e. Signage is critical for the message that you are ready and welcoming for new worshippers. 

10. Are your announcements printed and then only referred to, not boringly read or repeated? (Most announcements only speak to a few people in a church group.) 

a. TV shows do not start with disclaimers or announcements. 

b. Have the opening of the worship service clear and with something that grabs interest in the topic. 

c. Perhaps words of welcome and why we’re here. 

d. Followed by a “teaser” of what’s to come later that also interests an easy to sing hymn / Christian music. 

e. Only share announcements of most importance to the most people. 

f. Encourage limited activity leaders to publicize by bulletin notice and word of mouth.  

11. Are all worship responses printed and/or projected, especially familiar, “insider” responses (like the Lord’s Prayer)? 

a. Many new worshippers have had no experience with Christian worship.  Don’t assume anything. 

b. Make the bulletin and screen graphics as simple and clear as possible.  

12. Do you have a “Connections Greeter”?    

A person who, after the service, stands near the Pastor so new worshippers are offered a quick hand-off.  This then leads to finding out more about them ...and then helps to  introduce them IMMEDIATELY to others around with the same interests. 

Activities of the Connections Greeter could include: 

a. Standing near pastor after worship to pick up new persons after pastor greets them. 

b. Clipboard/folder with church materials  

c. Encourages follow up information to registration card  

d. Finds out about their situation, interests, why they came. (i.e. Do you know about the United Methodist church? What is the most important thing about church to you?  How can we help you and your family?) 

e. Takes them out to fellowship area, get them refreshments and introduce them around to others. 

f. Especially try to find someone to introduce them to with same interests (age of children, etc.) 

g. Follow up call and connection with programs withing 24 hours.  Leave a gift on their doorstep. Pastor’s call later in the week.  

13. Are you prepared for children with Pew Activity packets, a “Children’s time” with Parents invited too? Do you have take-home Children’s faith activities with your church name and website on them? 

a. Google “Quiet Pew activities for Children” for LOTS of ideas. 

b. Invite the Parents of the newly worshipping family to come up with the kids during children’s moments. 

c. Have someone, perhaps the pastor, explain the expectations for children to the parents as they find their seat.  (i.e. “We LOVE children here.  It’s ok if they make a little noise from time to time.  Here’s our Pew Packet for kids. Any questions?) 

d. Make sure they know where the Restrooms are and if there are changing tables in them 

e. If you have no children showing up yet, be sure to have someone prepared and standing by to do an “Instant Sunday School” during the sermon if some show up. 

14. Is there clean and well stocked Cry room/Nursery area?  Perhaps a “Quiet play” area WITHIN the sanctuary for Parents and toddlers? Do you give families “a tour”? 

a. Is your ‘Cry room” ready with a volunteer attendant & sound piped in 

b. Some churches have removed a couple pews in the Sanctuary and created a Quiet area with VERY clean rug and a few quiet toys and low chairs around it for Parents to sit and listen to the sermon while they play with their children.  

c. REMEMBER: ALL you Nursery/Playroom/Cry room areas MUST BE neat and clean ... and VERY inviting.   

d. Have other parents trained to talk to new worshippers about what the congregation is doing for families. 

15. Are you prepared for Covid Sensitive families?  Do you encourage Covid-safe practices to reassure their sense of safety in your congregation?  Masks, Antiseptic protocols, Social Distancing?  

a. Print in the bulletin and on door signs what Covid policies are now in place 

b. Make options clear: Wear or not wear masks, Sanitize or not, Vaccinations required or not. 

c. Do all you can to reduce any anxiety about safety for Seniors, Children, and everyone in between. 

16. Have you given your Worship room and ALL Church facilities a critical EYE with a New Worshipper’s attention to detail? And then IMMEDIATELY CHANGED anything that is shabby, ignored, piled up or ill-thought out? 

a. Worship space inviting

 i. Screen visibility and lighting.  Is it washed out or sharp and clear.

 ii. Lectern and preaching as close as possible.  Try not to seem far away and distant. 

b. Restrooms sparkling and hygienic?

 i. Help people know where the Restrooms are.  ii. Have them nearby and as spotless and clean iii. Repair anything broken, repaint with new furniture. 

iv. Tell them if it’s “Family” style?    Handicapped accessible, etc.  

c. Communion Sundays  

i. Be sure to explain before the service the “open table” for all who want to be closer to Christs.   

ii. Explain the method(s) of Communion: Intinction, Individual cups, Coming forward, Prayer opportunities, etc.     

 iii. Use Royal Hawaiian King’s bread  (Ralph’s, Albertson’s, Walmart) VERY tasty and holds together well for dipping. 

 iv. Have a Non-gluten option available  

v. Remind everyone of the open table and method of taking communion right before the sharing of the elements.  

 d. Parking lot with clearly marked lines, entrances, exits. 

 i. Gates unlocked early.  

ii. Parking lot welcomers / greeters to smile and encourage people, especially if they need to walk a bit.   

 iii. “New Worshipper” parking places. (Remove “guest” or “visitor” parking signs) 

 iv. Remove any “Church Parking Only” signs.  Find other ways to indicate that parking is for the use of all participating in church activities.  

It's all about relating to new (and old) worshippers alike in a loving, graceful and sincere way that cares about them!

PLEASE NOTE: 

All of this material can be presented in a workshop with your Church Leaders, Ushers, Greeters and all interested regular attenders. 

Agapé Journeys Ministry comes to your location and only asked a Free Will Offering.

The only exception is if distance and travel becomes excessive, then we ask help in covering that in addition to the Free Will Offering. 

Give us a call today!  

661-717-0162  

or email:   terry @ocspeakers.com