Warm bodies are not enough…
As I “secret shop” for churches, one of the key volunteer groups that I come in contact with are greeters (I’ll save ushers, who have a somewhat similar role, for a different day). These folks are often the “first face” of their church, with the possible exception of parking volunteers. They are stationed at the main entrances to the church building, and often at the entrance to the auditorium/worship center/sanctuary.
Happily, I can testify that my experiences with greeters have usually been good. However, let me give you three examples of not so good encounters:
- MR DISTRACTED – this guy is much more interested in talking to his buddy next to him than giving any attention to the folks arriving at his door;
- MRS JUDGEMENTAL – she has the “disapproving glare” down to a T. It seems like her real purpose is to keep out undesirables, or at least let them know what she thinks of them;
- MR ROADBLOCK – this guy is WAAAY too friendly. He starts a conversation with everyone that passes by, causing a backup (especially annoying at an exterior door on a rainy, hot summer, or cold winter day).
Why were these obvious non-fits in the greeter role? It usually comes down to the “warm body syndrome.” Greeter is often considered an “entry-level” volunteer role. You can do it without a whole lot of prep, and so churches throw people into the ministry with zero training or vision – sometimes simply because they don’t fit anywhere else…
You DO need the right people for the job, but it’s not that hard. Find folks with a friendly smile, explain the “win” to them (a “hello,” a smile, perhaps a handshake), explain what not to do (see above), and let ‘em loose! #creativeworshipideas
creativeworshipideas 