Week 4 - Book 2

Welcome to our Church by Annette Schroeder

This 48 page book, written to help train Greeters and Ushers in smaller sized churches, is packed with information, questions, and checklists. The opening lists were an interesting read and cut to the chase without all the flowery dialogue that often accompany the dos and don'ts of a particular task. As the author moved into the first part of the book, covering the Greeter Ministry, she did a fairly nice job unpacking some of what she outlined up front. Most notably was her insistence that greeters are more than a smiling face or outstretched hands, but hosts who strive to ensure the visitor's experience is a good one.

Worth noting, as compared to other books I have been reading, this author much preferred the use of the word visitor. The only time she used the word guest, was when she talked about the guest book. I struggled with this, especially with her view of greeters as hosts. As a training tool, this book viewed the interaction between greeter, usher, and visitor as one that is a task to be accomplished. I did not find the theological underpinning I have from other authors. Still, the book did offer some good advice.

Whether as greeter or usher, a key component of the ministry is attitude and enthusiasm. If one's attitude is not welcoming and focused on the other, than the other will not find the warmth and connection they seek. "Visitors need more than a parking space and a bulletin" or a smile. They want to feel welcome, comfortable, listened to, and important. Even if the words used are right, body language speaks equally as loud, and if the two don't match, than the chances are the visitor will notice it rather quickly. If it is different enough, they will likely not make a second visit.

Enthusiasm is also critical. If the visitor encounters someone who genuinely enjoys being where they are, and what they are doing, than it goes a long way to helping the other feel like the community is one they would like to explore more fully. Of course this enthusiasm can be overwhelming. That is why the author warns greeters and ushers not to seek commitment from the visitor on their first visit, not even the commitment to come back and worship with them again. Instead of commitment, offer invitation. Thanking them for being present and inviting them back is less stressful on the visitor and lets them know they are important.

The author's transition into part two, a section on ushers, she quickly differentiated the two jobs. Greeters handle things up to the worship space, and the ushers take care of things inside the worship space. Pointing out that ushers are hosts for the worship service, she says they have a responsibility to ensure that visitors do not feel lost during the service. Ushers can explain things to visitors who might not be familiar with the parish's worship practices, sit visitors next to someone who can help them navigate the service, nd when needed, they can invite and encourage the visitor to participate as they are seen as an authority figure.

The checklists for training both greeters and ushers overlap in several areas, most notably in their shared responsibility to make the visitor feel welcome, comfortable, listened to, and important. At CHS, some of the duties assigned to greeters and ushers are picked up by our Vestry person of the day. One final note, the author is emphatic, that greeters and ushers should be in place at least 20 minutes before a service and for a period of time after the service begins. Nothing is worse than to have someone show and not know where to go or what to do. There is no more unwelcoming or uncomfortable feeling than this. Also, she says greeters and ushers should remain in place for a period of time after the service begins, especially in those cases where the worship space is not immediately accessed entering the building. In this case, greeters escort them to the worship and ushers seat them at a time that does not disrupt the service.

This book was a quick read, straight forward, and offers a variety of ideas on how to divide responsibilities. Unfortunately, I do not think it brings to the forefront the role hospitality plays in the interaction between the church, its members, and those who walk through its doors. Having said that, I could see it used in conjunction with other materials to help broaden the understanding of what these two essential ministries can offer.

The book to be reviewed next week is:

- Welcome! Tools & Techniques for New Member Ministry by Andrew D. Weeks