Greeter/Usher Training
Strengthen the welcoming ministry of your congregation by providing an annual training and enrichment session for your ushers and greeters.
BEST SUITED FOR: Any Size Congregation
WHAT'S INVOLVED?
 | Begin by developing realistic and up-to-date ministry/job descriptions for your ushers and greeters, including clarification of the gifts and abilities which qualify persons to serve in these ministries. |
| If necessary, adjust your congregation's appointment process for these ministries so that gifting will be the major consideration in the appointment. (A simple congregational vote often appoints those who are best known or who don't have other responsibilities. Neither of these are necessarily the best persons for your welcoming ministry.) |
| Shortly after the beginning of your church year (when new appointments have been made), plan a training and enrichment session for your ushers and greeters, or perhaps, a separate session for each group. Include a review of their ministry description, an emphasis on the vital role that they play in the mission of the church, and most importantly, a clear definition of the "Sunday morning welcoming role" (warm, enthusiasm, acceptance, service, etc.) |
| Consider the possibility of having a resource person for these sessions. This person could be the coordinator of ushers and greeters at a nearby church or a Christian business person who trains employees in hosting/welcoming in the work place, such as a restaurant or hotel. |
| Also consider the possibility of asking each of your ushers and greeters to visit another church on a Sunday morning to observe and personally feel the impact of their welcoming ministry. This should be a church where they know no one, and probably one of a different denomination. Provide an evaluation sheet on which the can "grade" the churches that they visit. |
DO'S AND DON'TS
| DO......remember that training is a process rather than an event. One session won't bring all the results you desire, but each year your welcoming ministry will gain strength if you persist. |
| DO......look for gifted leaders among your ushers and greeters who can be role models for others and can provide "on-the-job training" and encouragement throughout the year. |
| DON'T......expect that everything that works in other churches or in the business setting will be the best approach for your congregation. Exposure to effective methods is always helpful, but discernment is needed. |
RESOURCES NEEDED
| Persons with a willingness to learn and to serve effectively in the welcoming ministry of the congregation. |
| A valuable resource in training greeters and ushers (and in sensitizing a broader group in the congregation to ideas for making guests feel welcome) is The First Thirty Seconds: A Guide to Hospitality for Greeters and Ushers . The cost is low enough that you should consider providing each greeter and usher with a personal copy. |
| Check out a wealth of web-based resources on congregational hospitality. |
COST
| Honoraria for resource persons |
| Training materials, such as The First Thirty Seconds |
More Ideas That Work