How many of you have generated a checklist of greeter duties?
In greeter training, this list of duties can be very helpful.
Feel free to add your own or not include what may not apply to your context. These are geared toward entry greeters or staff of hospitality tables that many churches use.
Note: Some of this will seem common sense. The goal is not to develop “policy” that you enforce, but simply to raise issues to think about. Policies are no fun when the seem to regulate common sense.
Self-Preparation
- Dress in what is appropriate for your church context.
- Dress neatly in what is appropriate for your church. If people dress up for church, then greeters should do the same. If it’s business casual, so be it.
- Don’t be too informal, as visitors will partly form their impression of the church.
- Fresh Breath (mints are helpful or those sprays).
- Deodorant — particularly if you like to hug those whom you know.
- Prayer — Ask God to help you greet everyone and that all who visit may discover Him.
Before the Service
- Check the entry area (foyer, narthex) for cleanliness and tidiness.
- Fix what needs to be straightened up.
- Locate bulletins or programs if you use them.
- Make sure doors are unlocked and opened.
- Be sure that you are familiar with answers to common questions like ‘where is the bathroom?’
- Locate your information packets if greeters distribute them.
As people enter
- Greet people in an appropriate fashion for your context.
- Handshakes are typical, but be sensitive to closed postures of those who don’t like handshakes.
- Greet everyone.
- Greet people by name if you have met them.
- Greet the children too!
- Smile.
- Depending on the pace of people entering, you might inquire, “How’s the family?” or “How are you doing?”
Noticing church visitors
- Look for people you don’t recognize.
- Offer your name and see if they offer theirs.
- Handshakes are typical, but be sensitive to the closed posture of guests
- Don’t lavish too much attention on first time visitors. Take your cue from the visitor.
- Smile.
- Offer to answer questions they may have.
- If there are children with the visitor, offer information about what your church does, or point them to the one who can share that information in depth (like the hospitality center).
After the Service
- Greet people by name as you can.
- Thank visitors for coming.
- Seek out those who don’t look connected
- Offer to pray for needs that have been mentioned.
This list comes from ChurchGreeterTraining.com which has free training videos for church greeters.
