When the church extends hospitality it is willing to take a look at what is going on from a different perspective. Some of the things to keep in mind when you are a long time attended who is trying to see through a first time guest’s eyes are:
Remembering names IS important! We all know the value of calling a person by name. We all know how good it feels when someone else remembers OUR names! When serving on the hospitality team, keep a small notebook with you and write down the names of new persons you meet. Ask them to repeat and spell the name. Pray for each name during the week. It will help you remember so you might be able to call the people by name when you see them the next time.
Whenever possible, when asked the “Where is . . . ?” questions, personally escort the inquirer to his or her destination instead of simply directing him or her to it. Utilize “the hand-off” when it isn’t practical to actually escort a person to the destination. Hand the guest off to another person (whether on the hospitality team or not) with a solid introduction: “Steve, please meet Larry; would you show him where the Family Life Center is? Thanks!” This models introduction and connection.
Extend hospitality to the parking lots and outside the front doors: greeters with umbrellas on a rainy day are a welcome sight!
First-time guests (especially with children) are always interested in safety, cleanliness, and professionalism. Hospitality includes check-in procedures in the children’s areas, eager teachers in place as guests arrive, and freshly cleaned and cared-for classrooms and restrooms. This gives witness to a sense that “somebody has really thought about us here!” If you see something that needs cleaning or picked-up take the initiative to do it yourself or ask someone to help.
Practice “preemptive hospitality” by constantly asking: What do first-time guests need to know? What are their needs? What do they want to experience? What will make them glad they are here? What can we do in hospitality to make them recommend our church to friends? Go out of your way to create the way!
Lead with your heart and your words, feet, and hands will follow in a hospitable way. SMILE! There is no crying in baseball and no frowning in hospitality!
