Purpose

The purpose of greeters is to foster a welcoming environment for the people of God, especially, the new faces in our midst.

Difficulties

It is very tempting to greet only those you know, since it is easier to greet friends than it is to greet strangers. We are also tempted to burden ourselves with unrealistic expectations. For example, we may wrongly assume that we should know the names of all who have regularly worshipped. Thus, instead of greeting someone whose face you recognize but whose name you don't, we may avoid him/her for fear of embarrassment. And, we may avoid the critically important new faces simply because we don't know their name and they may be a church member. We are also tempted to mindread the visitors when we assume that visitors don't want to be singled out with the line, "Hello, and what is your name?" It is also tempting to confuse dignity with aloofness. Instead, we choose to stand against the wall and have people come up to you as they are standing in line by the pastor. We are tempted to believe that "glad handing" and mulling about is undignified.

The Truths

1. A greeter is not expected to know everyone's name or even the faces of regular church members! Relax and enjoy the discovery of new people, instead of being embarrassed over it.
2. God has banished all fear and embarrasment when his people gather. If your actions are being shaped by fear, it is probably not God who is shaping you. God wants us to abandon our egos and serve each other. Your service as a greeter is to be the initiator of friendliness.
3. Strangers often do want to be approached. One of the critical keys to a positive church going experience for the visitor is the church's friendliness. Friendliness is not measured by how well everyone else is getting along. It is measured by how friendly people were to "me."
4. Reverence and dignity which have their place in worship is not compromised when his people gladly discover each other. As greeters, we are to take initiative. We are not to wait for the others to come to us.

Duties of a greeter

1. Arrive at least fifteen minutes before the early service and 15 minutes before the late service.
2. Attach your name plate. They are found near the balcony stairs near the bell rope.
3. Take your place in the lobby. Preferably, one greeter near the Fireside steps and the other greeter near the Lafond door, unless you feel that you can meet the new faces better in the narthex. The Elder of the Day will stand in the narthex near the pastor when the service is complete and behind the visitors center between services. The greeters, on the other hand, are to stand in the lobby or narthex looking for new, confused, or lonely faces. Greeters are not to stand against the wall, waiting for others to come to them. Greeters are set aside to search out the new people. So, please "ignore" the regulars while engaging or looking for the new faces (the regulars will be greeted by the pastor and their church friends). They may want to know the location of the bathrooms, elevators, sancturary, Sunday School, or Bible classes. When someone needs help with the elevator, find someone else (a youth, for example) to escort them. Request that they sign the Guest book. Give them a "Guide to St. Stephanus" found at the Visitors Center. Invite them to see the pastor.
4. As the service is beginning, join the congregation in worship.
5. Exit the congregational worship with the singing of the last stanza and take your place in the lobby or narthex to discover new faces.
6. If you cannot be greeter when you were scheduled, it your responsibility to find a replacement and to call the office by Thursday noon so that the names be corrected.

Duties of a Greeter Chairperson

1. In September, advertize for new greeters (bulletin, phone, etc).
2. In October and April, when the new members are welcomed, call each one and ask if they would like to be a greeter.
3. Provide training for the greeters on a regular basis.
4. Create the name tags and keep the nametag shelf up to date.
5. Create a quarterly schedule and mail it to the greeters. The Wednesday before each Sundo_y, call the greeters on the phone to remind them. Also, give a schedule to the administrative assistant and keep him/her current of any changes.
6. Keep in touch at least twice a year with the elder in charge of greeters.
7. Commitment is for one year, beginning in January.

© 1998 St. Stephanus Lutheran Church. Last modified 1 Aug 1998. Questions or comments?