1. GREETINGS FOR THE SOUL A VISION AND PLAN FOR A WELCOMING MINISTRY

2. So, why welcome folks anyways ?  We create a huge first impression which serves as a foundation from which relationships and trust are built.  People with ongoing problems and stresses need the boost of a handshake, hug, or friendly smile to keep hope alive.  Greetings/greeters serve as an introduction not only to the church but reflect the quality of life and love that visitors are walking into.  An encouraged and lifted spirit goes into worship with a more positive and optimistic attitude - services build on the encouraging interactions just experienced.  As bread is necessary for the physical man, the spiritual man needs the word of God for nourishment - in our greetings, excerpts of the word could be stated in joy and enthusiasm (more on this later).  Encouraged and valued visits results in return visits, and telling a friend about us.

3. Placing People in the Path of Opportunity Usually, people will take the obvious entry ways, or try to slide in inconspicuous, if they are shy or intimidated by introductions - greeters should thus be strategically positioned so everyone entering receives the right hand of fellowship. Greeters should not just wait for gues to enter, but be initiators, walking a step or two, to meet them with an attitude that communicates, you cant wait to meet them and are happy they made it to fellowship/worship. Aside from the greeters placed at main and side door entries, one or two facilitators guides should be placed where the cars enter, just to wave, direct and welcome. This activity is also flexible, depending on if weather conditions are conducive. Positioning greeters so the congregation exalts each other, and visitors before and after worship services communicates a loving, caring concerned body of believers.

4. The Partnership of Greeters  Outgoing, full of enthusiasm and ministry minded  Easily recognized - by like attire or a name badge that is “unmistakable”  Powerful yet short in their address, in order not to miss folks entering  A reflection of the Church body and also the society - in a diverse society/Church, the greeters should reflect such  Multiple number  Diverse teams representative of the congregation make-up  IMPORTANT: Should always start and end with prayer

5. Greeting Content and Format  Might Begin with short biblical sayings with which people are generally familiar. They may need minor modifications. (see examples also)  Keep it traditional - an enthusiastic “hello” or “glad you could make it” etc.  No matter what is said, make sure to say it with appropriate body language - be excited, enthusiastic and genuinely happy to see and greet the person(s).  Respect personal space, yet give a hug when it is welcomed or initiated as well.  As stated earlier, don’t just wait for folks to come to you - begin advancing towards them as well.  Be yourself and just reflect the happiness in your heart. Be creative with what you say and God will do the rest. EXAMPLES:  Thanks for coming : may the Lord bless and keep you today!  God bless your presence here. I am happy to greet you on behalf of the church!  Hello ! How are you doing! Welcome from the bottom of my heart!  Come on in! We cant get started without our honored guests!  Good Morning,we are excited that you are here!  God has blessed us with your presence  Welcome, welcome welcome!  So good to see y’all this morning !  Welcome and bless you!

6. Subsidiary Points to Consider Try to enlist extroverted members on planning team - they may be more extroverted and saturated with ideas as to how to make connections Strategically place welcome signs at various points of the building - Even after visitors have passed by greeters, the signs are a visible reminder reflecting how much the congregation values the visitor. Note: This doesn’t have to be over-kill; just a few in the high traffic areas or neatly tucked away somewhere in the worship hall.

7. After Services…Then What ?  Have the greeters wait just within the passageways where gatherings have taken place - be mindful not to clog traffic flow.  This greeting portion will be quick : Handshakes and high fives, unless someone wants to speak to the greeter one-to-one.  Position greeters outside the building to wish visitors Godspeed and invite them to return.  Greeters can assist the infirmed and elderly to their transportation, should assistance be needed  For consideration: Use music (singers or recorded) as people exit the worship service.  For consideration: Designate “prayer partners” and offer prayer assistance to those in need. Re-group / retrace your steps in the building Leaving a Lasting Impression

8. For the Encouragement of the Congregation  In the bulletin, you could occasionally print out pictures and/or testimonies (if any available), of folks who have called or expressed thanks for a “wonderful” experience.  This would serve to educate, encourage and exalt the congregation on the importance of offering the “s eright hand of fellowship.”  Aside from that, just random pictures of the greeters “greeting,” could be printed toward the same end of encouragement as well.