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When a person steps into a church for the
first time, he or she evaluates the atmosphere. They ask themselves: “Will they accept me? Will it be easy to make
friends? Will my spiritual and personal needs be met? Will it be
easy to find my way around? Will my family like it here?”
The newcomer will quickly come to some conclusions during the
first few minutes. First impressions are often lasting
impressions. Consequently, the ministry of the greeters is one
of the most important things that happens in any congregation!
Sometimes it is called “foyer ministry.”
Although a greeter’s love should be no stronger than is the
love found in the rest of the body of Christ, nevertheless the
greeter performs a major role in ensuring that people see and
experience that love. In Christ, you have received God’s
unconditional love, and, in Christ, you are called to extend
that same unconditional love to others. The ministry of greeting
is perhaps one of the most crucial in the church because it is
one of the most visible. It is a ministry vital to the saving
work of the church.
Duties of the Greeter
Although the program varies from church to church, the ministry
to which a person is called when he or she becomes a greeter can
best be described in the following ways:
1. Contact with newcomers. When you notice unknown
guests, introduce yourself first, extend a welcome, and then ask
for the visitors’ names. While the visitors write in your
guest book or complete registration cards, call over an usher or
deacon. Introduce the visitors to this person who will show them
to a seat or help them in finding Sabbath School classes, the
parents’ room, etc. It is especially important that you make a
record of each visitor and turn this over to the pastor or
interest coordinator. This is an important source of new members
when properly followed up.
2. Take an interest in people. The congregation
depends on the greeters to make their church personal. If you
really care about people, they will be able to see it. Some are
shy and will want you to preserve their dignity by not being too
forward. Others are gregarious and want to be asked questions.
Try to sense needs such as those who are confused about the
location of children’s activities or need access to a rest
room, etc. Be as helpful as you can.
3. Invitations to dinner. Your local church should
have a plan to make sure that visitors are either invited to
lunch at someone’s home or to a church fellowship dinner.
Larger churches organize groups to host dinner every Sabbath.
Small churches will have potlucks usually once a month.
4. Listen for deeper needs. People come to church
burdened with hurts, disappointments and personal crises. As you
have opportunity, steer hurting people to those in the church
family to whom they can turn for help—the pastor, professional
or peer counselors, teachers, physicians, social workers,
Adventist Community Services leaders, and others. Use your
knowledge to meet people at their points of need.
5. Distribute materials. Your task as a greeter
has more to do with relationships than mechanical aspects like
handing out the church bulletin. At the same time bulletins are
also important! Many churches have a special handout or packet
for visitors also. This often includes a map of the Sabbath
School rooms, some history and a list of week-day activities
like Bible study groups, Pathfinder Club, health classes, the
Adventist Community Services center, family life workshops and
Bible seminars. If your church does not have something like
this, perhaps the greeters should meet to prepare one.
Responsibilities in the Local Church, by
the Church Resources Consortium, North American Division of
Seventh-day Adventist Church. Copyright © 1997, Revised 2002.
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