You Can't Get There From Here
by Chris Forbes
Free tips for getting the word out about your church from the Ministry Marketing Coach
The number one need guests have in your church is easy and free for you to give them. First-time visitors want to know when the service starts, where the children meet, and even where the restrooms are located. In a nutshell, they want information.
Train your greeters to provide that information and people will perceive your ministry as being helpful and concerned about them.
Greeters play a key role in helping you make a good impression with newcomers. The size of your ministry doesn’t matter. You should have a greeter ministry. And, the greeters should be well-trained. Show them how to say “hello,” smile and greet people properly. Meet greeters each week before the church service starts and let them know what’s going on in the church, especially on that particular Sunday. Give them a good word about something new or interesting in the life of the church they can tell new people when they come in. This current information will help new people understand what is going on in your church.
Choose greeters wisely. Greeters need to be out-going “people-persons.” This is not the ministry for someone who is shy or awkward with people. Don’t fill this role with someone who doesn’t fit anywhere else in church leadership.
After finding the perfect person, consider a special way to identify your greeters. Give them a badge or a vest or something that singles them out as a person who represents the church. Learn as much as you can about ways to help greeters gain excellence. Visit your local Wal-Mart to see how the better greeters do their jobs. In fact, stop and talk to them about their work. Greeters can give you insights into people. Also, notice the types of people who are good at being a greeter and those who aren’t. Learn what makes the difference and apply what you learn to your greeter ministry.
The greeter’s job is one of the most important jobs in your church. Use this position wisely.
Action Point!
Begin a greeter ministry if your church doesn’t have one. And if you do, make sure the greeters are trained on how to approach new people, how to direct and help them with their questions, and how they can make visitors feel comfortable and welcome. Also remind your greeters to have the kind of enthusiasm that makes people want to come back to be a part of your ministry.
