How many of you have generated a checklist of greeter duties?
In greeter training, this list of duties can be very helpful. Feel free to add your own or not include what may not apply to your context. These are geared toward entry greeters or staff of hospitality tables that many churches use.
Note: Some of this will seem common sense. The goal is not to develop “policy” that you enforce, but simply to raise issues to think about. Policies are no fun when the seem to regulate common sense.
Self-Preparation
- Dress in what is appropriate for your church context.
- Dress neatly in what is appropriate for your church. If people dress up for church, then greeters should do the same. If it’s business casual, so be it. Don’t be too informal, as visitors will partly form their impression of the church.
- Fresh Breath (mints or gum are helpful, or those spray thingys).
- Deodorant — particularly if you like to hug those whom you know.
- Prayer — Ask God to help you greet everyone and that all who visit may discover Him.
Note: if you use gum to freshen your breath, get rid of it properly before starting your work as a church greeter / usher. . Public gum chewing while serving is a frowned upon action in many places.
Before the Service
- Check the entry area (foyer, narthex) for cleanliness and tidiness.
- Fix what needs to be straightened up.
- Locate bulletins or programs if you use them.
- Make sure doors are unlocked and opened.
- Be sure that you are familiar with answers to common questions like ‘where is the bathroom?’
- Locate your information packets if greeters distribute them.
As people enter
- Greet people in an appropriate fashion for your context.
- Handshakes are typical, but be sensitive to closed postures of those who don’t like handshakes.
- Greet everyone.
- Greet people by name if you have met them.
- Greet the children too!
- Smile.
- Depending on the pace of people entering, you might inquire, “How’s the family?” or “How are you doing?”
Noticing visitors
- Look for people you don’t recognize.
- Offer your name and see if they offer theirs.
- Handshakes are typical, but be sensitive to the closed posture of guests
- Don’t lavish too much attention on first time visitors. Take your cue from the visitor.
- Smile.
- Offer to answer questions they may have.
- If there are children with the visitor, offer information about what your church does, or point them to the one who can share that information in depth (like the hospitality center).
After the Service
- Greet people by name as you can.
- Thank visitors for coming.
- Seek out those who don’t look connected
- Offer to pray for needs that have been mentioned.
Let me ask you this:
What would you add to this list?
Add your comments below.
Greeter Resources:
Ed Blocker says
If the guest is a first time visitor introduce them to another volunteer or regular attender who would be willing to show them around and help create connections.
Kevin Cunningham says
The list looks very good.
Two cautions:
1. I like the item on “fresh breath” but would hate to see my Greeters use gum. They will inevitably forget to get rid of it before greeting. Nobody looks good chewing gum. You might want to mention the spray or “breath strips”.
2. Some of these duties are performed by our Ushers not the Greeters.
Hope these help.
Steve Stringham says
For a first time visitor, have someone walk with them to the childcare area if they have children. No one likes someone pointing to where they should go. During this time, the greeter can talk about the church and find out more about the family.
Bobby G says
Here’s my suggestion:
Incorporate the question “So, how long have you been attending (church name here)?” instead of simply offering your name. It’s more open ended and creates natural launch points for more conversation (at some point). I use this approach when encourgaing attenders to participate in our after-service refreshment time.
LaTonya Brown says
Just remember when you get up have in mind how im i going to dress this morning. Always dress with the fruit of the spirit.(Galatians5:22)
Here is a quote that helps “How can you have a day, if you dont bring the day.”
Detroit,MI
Fellowship Institutional Church
Beverley Farley says
Have a problem with greeters chewing gum publicly right through their duties. How can we solve this problem? ( they’re the most senior ones at that!)I think it looks disgusting!
EvangelismCoach says
As to gum chewing, that is something that can likely be addressed in greeter training meetings.
When developing a list of duties and expectations, a prohibition on gum chewing while serving is the place to talk about it and set your practice.
The point above is how to make sure you have fresh breath — if your church greeter chooses gum, have your greeters get rid of it before starting.
Kevin Cunningham says
As to the gum chewing…
One additional thought. I don’t think the average person really knows what they look like–even if they use a mirror. That’s why professors videotape preaching students and make us watch!!!!
If Chris’ suggestion on prohibition doesn’t do the job (or if their senior status is intimidating) you may want to have someone walk around with a video camera to catch them in the act and let them discover it for themselves. Chances are they may self-correct.
If breath is the issue, you might suggest (or even provide) breath strips. They’re efficient and no calories!!
Hope this helps.
Kevin
Beverley Farley says
Thanks! I’ll try the videotaping! I think that should be quite effective!
John Vogel says
Why not just keep some individually wrapped mints stocked by the name tags or greeter sign-in, maybe even a simple – last minute checklist?
1, Did you pray about who God may bring to you this morning?
2. Personal checks – clean cloths, clean me, neat hair (or shiny scalp), clean teeth, fresh breath, sparkly smile?
3. Go get ’em!
EvangelismCoach says
John:
Excellent idea. . . . I’ll have to add that one in.
I’ve got a checklist in my book, so I’ll need to add yours in the next update.
Robert Randolph says
I would make sure all greeters have registration/visitor’s cards on them.
Dottie says
I like the fresh breath reminder. Our bulletins are handed out by the ushers. I usually have one or two on hand for information purposes. We usually arrive a few minutes early for group prayer, but sometimes we just have to pray individual prayers and ask God to help us as we greet. I have also asked my greeters to use as little fragrance as possible. Some people have allergies to heavy perfumes and colognes.
Great ideas from all.
elizabeth o miana says
thanks a lot, i will add that to my check list, actually tomorrow, we will have a short orientation among the ushers of our church. i will present some tips in ushering…I name it “called to be an usher”
Felix (Nairobi, KEnya) says
HEy Chris,
I recently was given responsibility over the greeters our assemble, we call them “Welcome Team,” here!! I realised that they were struggling in their service to the LORD until, I stumbled upon ChurchGreeterTraining.com.
I am learning a lot on how to help these sweet brethren. I had some ideas on the duties of a greeter and this one just sealed what I have.
We are soon going out on a team building exercise and will be sharing some thoughts to them including these ones.
Thanks Chris, for an exceptional job. God bless you.
Rick Valdez says
For our church we were the same kind of shirt, to identified the greeters/ushers and for the breath? I believe “tic tac” work great! why because they are small enough to fit in your pocket and you do see the person chewing up and down like they have gum in their mouth. And they last a long time. “Fresh breath”. Thank you and God Bless…Rick 🙂
Dolores Leonard says
i think this is a wonderful program. I have met with the ministry and they werre very pleased.
Carolyn Neloms says
Hello, Our church have a no chewing gum policy before entering into the sanctuary. We ask in a polite way for the Saints to discard their gum. We have tissue on hand for them to us and we offer them a mint instead. Thanks for all the tips.
Steve Stringham says
Work hard during Easter season to have a fully manned first impression team. Work hare also with follow up with all of your first time guests on those special days!
Charmaine B. says
Thank you for this program. We will be using some of things you have offered.
Fernando Arrufat says
Tomorrow is my first training meeting with the greeters/ushers. Thanks to Greeters 101, I think i have a good start. Great comments to all, and many blessings in this jurney. God send this people to us, lets take care of them the first time so we see them again.God Bless.
Phil Sims says
For our “contemporary” early morning service during the winters months (i.e. January)I like having a bowl of Hall’s Cough Drops and a bowl of peppermints with the greeters at the door going into the worship area.
Worshipers are really pleased that someone has thought of them to offer free help for scratchy throats and nagging coughs.
PS The singing sounds better, very seldom do you hear a cough during the message (not bad for a group of 350+) and some people just can’t afford the medicine…its been a true blessing for me watching the effects of having the cough drops/peppermints at the door.
EvangelismCoach says
Phil:
Great point on the halls cough drops. Those are the little things that make an impression of care and concern.
Chris
ELIABU JOHN MOSES says
Thanks for the staff you have send to us. It is going to aid us in helping the Ushers/greeters in the church.
I am also training the new leaders that i want to be committed to service and the ministry and if you such staff, it will do a great deal to support what i have.
God Bless you and the Ministry.
EvangelismCoach says
@Eliabu
Thanks for visiting. Church Greeters play an important role, even if it seems small. Their service is an act of honor to the church visitor who may be visiting our church for the first time, or quickly looking for a new place to serve and connect.
While the role of church greeter may seem trivial to some, comical to others, I know first hand what a difference they make in some lives.
Chris
Juliet says
Thank you so much. I lead Greeters in my church and I was wondering what and how to train them. this is very helpful.God bless you.
EvangelismCoach says
Juliet:
Thanks for stopping by. I’m updating some of the free videos, so they will be coming out over the next few days.
Lilia says
Our church is a small church, maybe about 24. We use one of the rooms in a community center. So there is only one door, no foyer. First is prayer before Sunday school. After Sunday school, we take a break for 15 minutes and then start worshiping through songs for about 15 minutes. At times the pastor asks me to turn on the lights while worshiping. As soon as I see the pastor move the lectern I close the door and position myself near the door. We can sit. The bulletin and the donation envelopes I pass out to visitor and members. Yesterday, June 15 was communion day and my pastor told me to wear red . We give communion two times a month – first and third Sunday. The juice and crackers are on the altar and as soon as the pastor announces to get ready for communion I walk down the side aisle to the altar. I stand until the pastor tells me that I am at liberty to give communion and that is when I serve it. I give first to the pastor then to each aisle. The pastor’s wife always sits at the front. But Sunday I asked one member to assist me in communion. After giving out the cracker and the juice I stand behind the pastor and wait again for him to say eat the crackers and drink the juice. I then collect the empty cups on every row and walk back to empty it at the trash. I go back to my post. I see to it that there are people who use the bathroom while there is service never bangs the door. On Sunday I have to ask this member who just let the door closed by itself to please avoid banging the door. as the pastor was preaching.
EvangelismCoach says
Thanks Lilia for stopping by and telling us about your church. . .
It will be a good practice to discuss with your pastoral leadership regularly about issues of decorum. All churches have their own sense of what is good and proper behavior. Having traveled and taught in many different cultures, I see decorum issues as very localized.
This will also be a way to help develop some clarity on the hospitality vision. Sometimes a sense of decorum will conflict with expectations of a church guest. When that comes in conflict, how will such things be handled with honoring the guest? That would make for some great discussions with your local leadership.
Chris.
Chris says
I haven’t seen this problem addressed in any of the training yet. We are a small church of approx. 150 people. Our congregation is very friendly and great at welcoming first time guests. We station two greeters at the door to the Worship Center. The problem is because of the friendliness, they wander from their spot and engage in conversations with the regulars. This leaves no one at the Worship Center doors to greet or hand out bulletins. I have talked with the greeters who roam offering suggestions on how to avoid getting involved in long conversations with the regulars. They will do well for a week or two and start roaming again. What are your suggestions in addressing this?
Christine says
If you are having another meeting with your greeters, hand out a list of to do’s or not do’s. On the list add – this is not the time to play “catch up” with your friends to see what’s been happening with them. Tell them you’ll ‘catch up’ with them after service. Your responsibility is to greet EVERYONE.
EvangelismCoach says
I think more than specific to-do or not to-do, paint a picture of “well done.” To-do’s are examples of “well done” in practice, but the list can get infinite. Tips are good, but they will never exhaust human creativity in the spur of the moment 🙂
Carol Dattilo says
Our Greeters are are going to hand out 1st time visitor welcome cards.
We advise the visitors to keep the card to turn in after the service for a welcome gift. Our Pastor will announce at the end of the service to turn in 1st time visitor cards to our wel center to receive your gift.
June Wemple says
Thank you for your helpful information. Each time I put out a schedule I include a handout with reminders. We have excellent greeters. However, I think some long-time greeters just skim over it as they neglect to follow points that I even BOLD type. It looks like I need to call them together to meet personally as well and go over the valuable points I’ve gleaned from your site.
Evangeismcoach says
June, I’m so glad you stopped by. Every now and then our teams get together and celebrate the good things and get a refresher on what we can do better