You have carefully planned out your marketing strategy, working on every detail of your postcard to make sure that it connects to people outside your church and draws them in. You have diligently studied your sermon to make sure that those who attend can take something away with them for the following week. Every element of the service has been planned out to make sure that people have a genuine worship experience with God.

You have done all this work yet most people will decide whether or not they like a church, and whether they will return, within the first few minutes of their visit – even before the service starts.

How do you make sure that you make the most of your first impression? Create and maintain a dynamic Greeting Team. Here are some steps adapted from Buddy Bell’s Greeting 101: Easy Steps to Greeting in the Local Church.

1) Greeters need to understand that they are a V.I.P.
The greeter’s job is to help every guest to feel at home, to feel loved, wanted, and important. They are the first contact to everyone who walks in the door and sometimes the only direct contact that a guest may have. Encourage them to engage guests in conversation, not just hand them a bulletin at the door.

2) Greeters are Representatives of the Kingdom of God.
How the greeter looks and acts communicates who you are as a church. Their attire should match the leadership and style of the church. A greeter’s attitude is critical to making a good impression on those that come through the door. A greeter should be mentally, emotionally and spiritually prepared for their task each week.

3) Greeters should be prepared physically and spiritually each week.
Greeters should arrive early. While the amount of time needed can be different for each church, it should be well before the general congregation begins to arrive. The team should start each week by praying for their responsibilities. Each door should have at least two people – more for larger congregations. This allows one person to assist guests while the other continues to greet.

4) Greeter need to extend a warm welcome.
Greeters should communicate in a positive, constructive and supportive way. A warm smile or a firm handshake can say a lot to a person walking through the door. A kind word or a simple hug might minister to an individual more than the whole rest of the service.

5) Greeters are called to a ministry of love.
Many people walk through the door hurting. Some people are coming to church reluctantly or as a last effort. A greeter’s response could be the very thing that ministers to them in their time of need.

6) Greeters should be informed and ready to answer people’s questions.
Greeters should not only be familiar with the church’s facility but also the history and upcoming events as well. If they don’t know an answer to a person’s question, they should find someone who does.

7) Greeters should have a basic set of requirements.
Have greeters complete or be in the process of completing a membership class. Require each person to go through an application process and interview. Have them sign a commitment form and keep them accountable to their commitment.

8) Put a qualified overseer in charge of your Greeter Team.
This overseer should be someone who has served in this ministry and has been a part of the church for a while. It is important that the overseer understand and implement the vision of the church.

9) Overseers should set the example.
Have overseers conduct regular meetings to answer questions and address specific needs. Encourage them to provide handouts to the team members and regularly quiz them on the information provided.

Overall, an effective Greeter Team will help your church minister to your regulars and guests. It will also help to solidify the vision of the church and ultimately lead to more people returning to worship with your church again.

We have marketing consultants working full time to help you. 1-888-424-1980 ext 1830.