Churches are expected to be places of love, community, worship, and prayer. However, many first-time guests feel they must be more loved and welcomed. Almost any church surveyed would say they do a good job of making their new guests feel appreciated, yet those churches are not retaining them. When the guests were surveyed, they did not feel loved or welcomed. That huge disconnect will ultimately keep churches from growing and reaching their community. It is vitally important for a church to create a hospitable, warm, welcoming culture a church hospitality team.
Before a church can start this team, it must create a culture permeating the entire church. If they try to create a team without a culture, there will be a disconnect between guests connecting to the church’s life. A church can attract new guests by being welcoming, but to keep the new guests, they must have a friendly culture.
Develop Your Hospitality Team
Again, the first step is big-picture vision and culture. Teach, preach, cast vision, and confront people (in love) who are territorial or blatantly mean to guests. As culture shifts, it is time to build a hospitality team, usually called First Impressions. This First Impressions Team needs a leader and separate smaller teams. Possible teams would be:
Parking Lot Team
This team should be a priority regardless of the church’s size. They not only direct traffic but also greet as cars come in. They should be friendly with their faces and forceful in their hand motions as they direct cars. This team should have bright-colored vests and wands.
Front Door/Host Team
One key is to have a tent out front that says “NEW HERE? LET US KNOW.” The host team is responsible for identifying guests. Hopefully, the guests will come to the brightly colored tent and table. And if the guests do not come to the tent, the front door team can identify them. This team needs to give them a connection card and show them around by giving them a tour. If they have kids, help them check into kids’ ministry. They let the guests know where to turn in their connection card and how to get a welcome gift.
Ushers
It’s hard for anyone coming in to find a seat when everyone stands up. They should be facing the doors and offer help to find a seat when worship starts. If a church chooses to pass an offering plate or bucket, they will have another opportunity to serve.
Security Team
The security team should keep the place secure and safe. Often wearing an earpiece or a walkie-talkie, this team can walk around the building and remain stationed in specific places throughout the service while keeping an eye on things. If anything looks suspicious, they can communicate with one another and enact whatever plan your church has agreed upon for various scenarios.
Why You Need a Hospitality Team
Now that you know what teams to have at your church, let’s discuss why you should have them. Here are 5 Reasons why you should build a church hospitality team:
1. A Hospitality Team Gives a Lasting First Impression
First impressions are indeed crucial, and the first few minutes of interaction can significantly impact a person’s decision to return or continue looking for alternatives. Creating a welcoming and friendly environment is important, and multiple positive interactions can make guests feel comfortable and valued. Establishing a culture of hospitality and having dedicated teams for this purpose can enhance newcomers’ overall experience.
2. A Hospitality Team Typically Leads Others to Serve
One of the forgotten benefits of a hospitality ministry or First Impressions Team is that it builds an on-ramp for people in your church to serve. Some people who are passionate about First Impressions will join or lead this team. It can even help a new believer find a safe place to grow and learn. This ministry can give them a sense of belonging and help them learn the discipline of showing up consistently to serve.
3. The Team May Compensate for Other Shortcomings
Fostering a sense of belonging and creating a warm, welcoming environment can be powerful in building a positive church experience. When individuals feel a sense of community and belonging, it can compensate for other shortcomings a church may have. The emphasis on a First Impressions Team highlights the importance of actively managing and enhancing newcomers’ initial interactions. Churches can create a more inclusive and inviting atmosphere by prioritizing hospitality and making people feel welcome.
4. A Hospitality Team Prepares Your Church for Growth
Some smaller churches may scoff at needing a First Impressions or Hospitality Team because they do not see the need. This team helps poise the church for growth. If a church waits until it grows to build a team like this, it will probably never grow, and if they do, it has waited too long to capitalize on the momentum. This ministry will bring function to the church. It will help a church maximize parking and seating, bring attentiveness to guests, and foster safety in the church. It is a function of stewardship.
5. The Team Allows You to “Keep Track of” Guests
The most important focus of a church is to follow up on guests and those who decide to follow Christ. Having a team and a system gives the church a distinct advantage in accomplishing this task. The job of the First Impressions Team is to get the guest card. Having a host team and a host tent for new guests is key. One best practice is to have an “After Party” after the service. Doing this creates an informal time for guests to turn in their connection cards and get a gift. Having a system like this will ensure that guests know they are valued and will increase the chances of them wanting to return.
Create a Positive Church Culture
No matter the size, every church needs a hospitality ministry called a “First Impressions Team.” This team helps a church foster a caring and welcoming environment that heightens the chances of a guest wanting to return. A church should create a culture of positive hospitality. Remember that every guest is a gift sent by God to a local church. Therefore, a church must honor the Lord by being a good steward of those guests.
