A Hospitality Team
“Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit…”
1Corinthians 12:4

Several folks at Hope Church had expressed a need to develop a “Hospitality Team”—a group of people who would assist in making people feel welcome at Hope—so a small group of select individuals met to share ideas. Dot (Women’s Group) suggested buying additional high chairs because more families with small children were coming to church.

Dave (Property) shared that his group was going to put up new signs on the church grounds and in the building to provide directions for newcomers.

Mary (Evangelism) asked for the names of individuals or families who would make follow-up calls to first-time visitors.

Tom (Technology) asked for improvements to the church’s Web site as more than 50% of the new members learned about Hope via the Internet.

Jean (Worship) announced that there was going to be a Hospitality training session for ushers and greeters.

Pat, who was not yet a member, shared observations from the perspective of a newcomer.

Questions to Ponder

1. If your congregation were to assemble a “Hospitality Team” who would be invited to participate?
    
2. How does your congregation invite those with “varieties of gifts” to become involved in hospitality issues?
    
3. What suggestions and/or ideas do you have to make your congregation a more hospitable place?
    

Writer: Robert Dealey
Copyright © 2005 Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
May be reproduced for local, non-sale use provided the above copyright notice is included.
E-Tips, Division for Congregational Ministries - Evangelism.
www.elca.org/evangelism

Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to view
and print these files. Click on the icon to
download the FREE Adobe Reader.