At first the notion that everyone can greet flies in the face of what I train and coach – with our own people and leaders of other churches. A warm body, even a warm smiling body, just isn’t enough. There’s a unique wiring that people-people, wow-makers possess. Make no compromises.
However, here’s what’s true. The only people greeting guests should not be limited to your greeters or other guest services team members. Your guests may see the occasional “official” nametag on an usher or hospitality host or greeter, however, those volunteers and staff aren’t the only people your guests will see – or interact with.
Nor do they care if someone is wearing a label or not. A warm, inclusive, accepting greeting is a warm, inclusive, accepting greeting regardless who’s doing the greeting.
Consider Ruth Saratore from Granger Community.
I attended Ruth’s funeral on Monday of this week. She was 88 years old. Always sat on the second row, left side of the center aisle, every Sunday. Ruth wasn’t one of those people who felt she owned that seat. In fact, she was constantly inviting people to sit with her.
Matt spoke at Ruth’s funeral. His story? Five years ago he entered Granger Community for the first time. Alone, tentative, looking for a seat. He made it down front early one Sunday and heard the sweetest sound. It was Ruth. “Are you alone young man? Sit right here with me.” No, Ruth wasn’t hitting on him. She was in her eighties. He was barely 30. At the end of the service, she told him, “I’ll be here next week. I hope you come back. I’ll be saving a seat for you.”
That was enough for Matt. Granger was his home. His church.
Several more people revealed the same “sit with me” story. Stories that continued beyond the weekend service. Phone calls. Visits. Ruth extending herself to serve and love others.
She never wore a nametag. She wasn’t a greeter (although she could have been). She didn’t volunteer at guest relations.
But she greeted. Warmly, inclusively, and unconditionally accepting.
Guests don’t really care who warmly receives them. You don’t need a label or a tag. They don’t really care.
What’s your church culture like? What culture are you creating?
Everyone can greet.
What’s your story of an authentic, caring culture?
