What is hospitality? Is it physical space or how you interact with others? Is it internal or external? How is hospitality relational? Do your current hospitality systems show that you are present or vacant for visitors?
What stands out to you about the following hospitality statement:
From the moment someone walks through the door, we want them to feel like family, just as Christ welcomes us (Therefore, welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. Romans 15:7). Maybe it’s the smile, the handshake, or the friendly personality that eases their mind in walking through our doors for the first time. We want them to come back to a place where they freely worship, freely feel at home, and freely encounter Jesus.
Does any of that resonate with you? Are you thinking that sounds perfect! It’s a great goal, but it takes hard work. We often say that we want visitors to feel like they are a part of our church family, but often we forget that our personal family lives may not be all that hospitable. We have to learn how to be hospitable as Christ was.
How do you shape hospitality to fit your church culture?
Before you jump to who welcomes who and what sign to put up, define your church’s culture. Knowing your church culture and dynamics is a big step in welcoming more people into your church.
Know your church to some degree and the vision/mission of your church body.
Know your church culture to some degree and the vision/mission of your church body. For example, do you call new people attending your church service visitors? Seekers? Guests? How formal is the language you use in your church and services? Does that fit the community culture? The church culture?
Be Authentic
What does being authentic look like to you? Is that a quick hello and welcome? Is that a long chat about who and where they are from? Is that maybe helping them find a seat with or without you or helping them find the nursery or bathroom? There is no wrong answer with these because it should fit each person’s level of authenticity. We all know when hospitality is being forced and at what point that makes us feel uncomfortable. Know your personality and comfort zone and live into the hospitality level that fits best for you to be authentic to those visiting. I like to think of myself as the second line of hospitality. If my husband and I are going somewhere new, he is usually the one first to engage and introduce himself to new people. We are both extroverts, but I tend to say that he is your initial greeter, then I come in and learn about who you are. And once you’re in the inner circle of the Montgomery household, you are in for life. Know your comfort level and then push it just slightly towards discomfort so that your visitors feel welcome in your church home.
Planned and Organic
So, which is better and more authentic, planned hospitality, or organic? The answer here is a little of both! It would be best if you had a plan. You need to know who will greet each Sunday and who is available to help visitors get settled and find their way through your building. But it is also essential to leave space for organic interactions and flow. Sometimes volunteers will get sick or not show up. It is ok to be ready to adapt to those situations. Knowing how your greeters and host teams will interact with all church attendees helps create a smooth culture of welcoming so that your visitors do not feel isolated or put in the spotlight.
Relational Building
Go above and beyond what is expected to welcome a guest. Hospitality, in its simple form, is just actions that pave the way to start relationships. Have a general knowledge of the church’s mission and vision, worship services, ministries, building layout, etc. This way, you can help guests find their way comfortably and confidently in your building. Let’s say someone asks you a question and you don’t know the answer. Don’t panic! Take the opportunity to say, “That is a great question, let’s go find out” and then go with the guest to your connection corner or staff member that will know the answer. Don’t chase someone down for an answer or look confused and say I don’t know. Taking them to the person helps introduce them to someone else and not be left alone without their question answered. This starts building trust.
In the next segment, we will look at logistics and planning for hospitality teams along with internal and external checklists to help guide you in either creating a group or taking your team to the next level. We are getting closer to holiday seasons, and even in this COVID year, you will have visitors coming to your church. So, let’s prepare so relationships can organically start to grow!