Basics of 1st Impressions Work

What’s a Church Greeter to Do? Tips for Your First Impressions Ministry
By Chris Forbes

Okay, your church has just initiated a “First Impressions” ministry and you are trying to work out a plan for making the most out of your greeters ministry. Well, here are a few ideas for what your greeters can do to enhance your church’s ministry. Divide up the tasks with people who have great personalities and can-do attitudes. This isn’t a comprehensive list, but this will get the planning rolling:

* Manage the Parking Lot: Keep the traffic flowing and greet people as they enter your church’s property
* Open Doors: Welcome people as they enter the church with a friendly yet not overly hovering smile
* Provide Hospitality: Make coffee and other refreshments available to people who show up a little early to the service. Also help in other ways (think of umbrellas in the rain, etc)
* Give Information: Have a welcome booth and also provide roving greeters that have helpful information about directions, class times, children’s programs, maps, etc
* Give Directions: People who are new are trying to get a “lay of the land” help them with directions, maps; or even escort them to where they want to go. (Except the bathroom!)
* Make Connections: Make introductions, get conversations started with people who have things in common with the guests.
* Qualify People: By talking to people who come to the church the greeters can find people who might be interested in the various ministries in your church. For example, the guy who pulls up on a motorcycle might also be interested in the Faith Riders ministry group.
* Follow-up: Recognize return guests, be sensitive to people who may need spiritual counseling or have some other special needs.
* Post Service Greetings: Just because the church service is over doesn’t mean all the questions and needs of your guests have been met. Have people who can be available after the service until the church is empty.

What to watch for in the 1st Impressions ministry:

* Maintain a ministry focus, this is not something that should be done mechanically
* Keep greeters from becoming a social club that talks to each other but not the people
* Avoid burn out, let people rotate responsibilities, take a break from greeting, etc
* Make sure you cover all your church’s doors
* Greeters need to be be informed about what is going on. Give them information.
* Listen to what people are saying when they come. Greeters can help the church leaders understand more about what new people need
* Coordinate outreach emphasis with greeters. Let them know when you have a special program that might include a lot of new people so they can be ready
* Provide some take home information for those who want it. A brief welcome brochure might work here.
* Keep the parking lot from looking too full. Ask the most dedicated members to park a little further out so new people have a place to park. Also have guest parking available.
* Don’t take greeters for granted. Love them, they are your best asset!