Podcast Episode #298
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Greeters are important to the first impression your church makes with guests. So, today, we talk about where greeters should be, what they should do, and how to train them.
Some highlights from today’s episode include:
- Every church may think they have greeters, but many actually don’t.
- If I led a church, I would have greeters in the parking lot.
- Door greeters are an extension of your church security because they are the first line of defense.
- Greeters should be able to recognize guests and help them find their way when they arrive.
- Consistency of greeters helps them to know members and recognize guests.
- The worship center greeter may be the most important one because typically guests sit down and no one talks to them.
- Greeters need training. They need more than just to say hello and shake a hand.
- Greeters are a part of your church’s outreach, hospitality, and evangelism efforts.
The eight points we make about the importance of greeters are:
- The Parking Lot Greeter
- The Door Greeter
- Trained to See the Stranger
- The Forgotten Worship Center Greeter
- Train Your Greeters
- Keep the Ministry Fresh
- Stay Late
- The Second Greeter Greeting
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Feedback
If you have a question you would like answered on the show, fill out the form on the podcast page here at ThomRainer.com. If we use your question, you’ll receive a free copy of Who Moved My Pulpit?
I absolutely agree that greeters must be in the parking lot(s). However, I also believe that in every parking lot every member must be a greeter. It is hard for new people to journey into the unknown “new church”. How much more comfortable they would be if a member were to welcome them and invite them to sit with their family that day. And then, walk them back to their car and invite back next week; or to lunch!
We have two opportunities to make lasting impressions with visitors and they both take place in the parking lot.
Well said, Rick.
I’m sharing this with our greeter group. Also, you mentioned church websites and the word/name Meer? Who or what is that? We are looking for ways to upgrade a number of things in our small church. Thank you.
Michelle
Mere Church is a website company we work with. You can find out more at merechurch.com
Great podcast! I JUST sent my husband (aka pastor) a list of every position we need filled for a worship service. Had a lot of the same things for greeters, but I loved the sign in the parking lot for flashing headlights and the second greeting. Everyone is always in a hurry to get to their next destination, we often think that once final prayer is over we are done. I want to get umbrellas for rainy days and snow scrappers for snowy days to help people after service. We have the possibility of getting a covering of snow while in service, it would be nice to come out to your car and the windows are already cleared off or someone to help when they have a full load of kids.
Great idea with the umbrella and snow scrapers!! Might even be a ministry for our youth to get involved!
How timely! We are having Greeter Ministry Training tonight! Thank you for your faithful partnership in this Gospel ministry! I’ve almost caught u with all the past podcasts. Wow!
I am fortunate enough to live high in the Rocky Mtns, Buena Vista, Co. Many Sundays it is terribly cold. It is hard to ask volunteers to go out in that. Should we just get tough? Electric underwear? Any suggestions?
Patagonia Parkas that say VALLEY FELLOWSHIP CHURCH on them!! ❤️ Your First Impressions Ministry ????
Mary, Bring in your newest Pat, I have a sharpie.
Any good resources on greeting ministries and training?
Just was voted in as pastor of a small congregation, who does not have an active greeting ministry. It may be a nice first change.
Side note: I was voted in on Sunday and Joined Church Answers on monday. Looking forward to the resources on that side.
This is a great podcast! Our connect group has recently started really participating in our Starting Point ministry (greeting ministry) Thank you so much for sharing.
Kim M
Thank you, Kim.
I’m a greeter at my church. Enjoyed the information and agree with the ministry’s importance. In my mind, a guest to our church is either a believer looking for a home, or a non-believer who is searching for their savior. Either way, we need to be part of the answer!!
I heard once that if you go a training and get one idea, it was worth it. Years ago, a conference presenter talked about the best greeter he had. It was a mentally challenged man. Someone asked the pastor if the man presented the proper image to Guests? The pastor said, “Absolutely! People must know that everyone is welcome in God’s house and everyone has a role to play..
I immediately thought of 25 year old lady at church with mental and physical challenges. I called her parents sought permission to ask her to serve. “She would love it” was their response.
Ginny became a greeter over 20 years ago. She is amazing. If she was going to be away on a weekend, she called me during the week to make sure I knew.
When someone comes to the church entrance she will say good morning. When they ask Ginny how she is, her response never changes. “Wonderful!” is her automatic response. I’ve told many that if Ginny can be “wonderful” every Sunday, with the challenges she faces, I should shut up about anything in my life. We should all try to be “wonderful” when we are in the house of God.
Taking that one suggestion may have been one of the best things I ever did in ministry.
We’re signing up Amy T for sure … permanent greeter … but no choir robes, sorrry. Thanks for the shout out and a great podcast. We’ve been working on our greeter ministry for the past 2 years … it is a huge help and makes a significant difference for our weekend experience.
Amy T rocks.
I love the ideas I think the greeters are integral to the first impression of a church.
Thom,
I am trying to locate your video series on Greeters in the Church. I saw lesson 3 on one of your posts, but I believe there are 5 videos. Could you let me know how I can access those?
Blessings,
Nicolette