Guidelines for Greeters/Ushers: The Ministry of Welcome

A church can never be too friendly, so it is important that visitors receive a special welcome. This is one form of evangelism. Don't forget to give a warm welcome to regular attendees as well. They are the ones who form the foundation for the ongoing ministry of the congregation. Introduction The Importance of Being Visitor-Sensitive Guidelines for Ushers and Welcomers I'm a Nice Stranger Final Words

Introduction

Greetings! You are part of a very important ministry of our congregation. It's called the "Ministry of Welcome". That's right, being an greeter or usher is a ministry. In fact, the position of "door-keeper" or "gate-keeper" was a significant and exalted office in the Old Testament, a position of great trust. You stand in that great biblical tradition. This booklet is intended to assist you in your task so that together we can continue to make our congregation a friendly place where people matter. For a biblical foundation of this ministry read First Chronicles 9:17-32 and First Chronicles 26:1-9. It is stressed that welcoming God's people is a position of trust.

The Importance of Being Visitor-Sensitive

How do you feel when you enter a place that is unfamiliar to you? Insecure, self conscious, conspicuous, alone? Perhaps you feel that everyone is looking at you, that you don't fit in. That's how many of our church visitors feel when they meet you at the church door. What do you need at a time like that? A warm welcome, a friendly smile, just the simple reassurance that "we're glad to see you"? How about some simple directions, or an invitation to fellowship time after worship? Always remember that visitors to our congregation do not feel the same way as our regular worship attendees, so don't forget the importance of being visitor sensitive. Never forget that church visitors are important because:

• the Christian Church exists for mission
• many are "seeking" God and a church family
• they often have a specific need.

So welcome them warmly! "The only difference between churches is the way they treat their visitors and members."

Guidelines for Greeters and Ushers

1. Prepare yourself spiritually. Pray. You are not involved in a job or a task but a ministry and it must be undertaken with that understanding.
2. Prepare yourself physically. Be well groomed. Watch bad breath. No heavy perfume or aftershave. Don't slouch.
3. Be on Time. Gather and be in position at the appropriate time.
4. Remember that you are the minister's assistant. Ushers and welcomers are an extension of the ministry of the minister.
5. Be friendly. It takes 72 muscles to frown and only 14 to smile. Pay attention by keeping eye contact, and wear a name tag. Refrain from hugging.
6. Follow the approved guidelines. Discover the guidelines used in your congregation and follow them. (If you don't have any guidelines, be sure to develop some.)
7. Stay at your post. Visitors--and regular attendees--often arrive early or late, so be ready to serve them.
8. Seat people carefully Usher people to their seats once the worship area is near capacity. Always usher people once worship begins. Avoid seating people you don't recognize in the front 2-3 rows. Seat young families with children beside young families with children and/or near an exit.
9. Always be positive. Don't say: "You're late! You can't go in now!" Do say: "I'd be happy to seat you in just a moment."
10. Pay attention, to the minister(s) (she/he/they may need your assistance), to the people (someone may be ill), and to the bulletin (it may contain changes in the usual order of worship). Keep your eyes open for people standing or sitting alone and speak to them. If you have a fellowship time after worship get to know those who are new to your congregation.
11. Follow up after worship. Go back to your position as worship ends and thank people for coming. Assist any who require it.
12. Clean up. Straighten up hymn books/bibles, remove old programs, close windows, etc. Make sure there are sufficient visitor cards/envelopes in pew, as well as sharp pencils.
13. Receive the offering. The Head Usher will review procedures with you. Do this with dignity. These gifts are being brought to the Lord by His people.

To usher someone to a seat:

• Ask person to wait for a moment
• Locate appropriate places in worship area
• Ask them to follow you
• Step back as they enter the pew
• Always be courteous

I'm A Nice Stranger

"I never complain. I never create a scene. When I go to church, I never offer an objection if the usher leads me down the long aisle to the front seat, while all the members of the church crowd the back seats and fix their curious gaze on my embarrassed march. No, I just take my seat. I never growl aloud when I have to push by and walk over the feet of selfish church members who hog the aisle seats and would not move out of their favorite places if it meant the salvation of a soul. Oh no, I just sit down meekly. I'm the ideal church stranger. I never reprimand young people who sit behind me chewing gum, whispering and giggling. Oh no, I'm too polite for that. At the close of the services as I walk toward the door, I never make a scene if nobody speaks to me or shakes my hand. No, they gather in little cliques and don't bother me. I'm the nice visitor to the church. And I'll tell you what else. I'm the stranger who never comes back. That's my little revenge for not being welcomed!"

Final Words

We end where we began. Your ministry is a vitally important one within our congregation. There is nothing insignificant or unimportant about it. It is worthy of your very best. Each week our greeters and ushers perform an outstanding ministry just like the "door-keepers" of old. Keep up the good work!