Position:
Greeter
Spiritual Gifts:
Serving • Welcoming
Ministry Area/
Department:
Congregational Life Hospitality
Talents or
Abilities
Desired:
Comfortable talking
to/greeting guests • Able to
give good directions
regarding church facilities
Accountable To:
Santiago Torres,
Lead Greeter
Membership Committee
greeters@dallasuu.org
Personality
Traits:
Hospitable, not shy (or able
to overcome shyness) •
Sensitive to needs and
feelings of others •
Dependable-expresser
Ministry Target:
Congregation and guests
Passion For:
Making people feel welcome
Position Is:
Volunteer
Length of
Service
Commitment:
One year minimum
Position May Be
Filled By:
Church member, regular
attendee
Job Description
Job Purpose:
Greeters serve on the frontlines of the church’s hospitality ministry and provide a positive first
impression for visitors and a “glad to see you again” feeling for regular attendees of the church.
Greeters have a key role in setting the tone for the experience many people have at the church.
Greeters are responsible to ensure that every person entering the church is greeted and that visitors are
offered assistance as appropriate so that everyone feels important and welcome. Greeters may be asked
to serve during special events also.
Anticipated Time Commitments:

Doing ministry/preparing for ministry: one hour a month – more during special events

Participating in meetings/training: minimal, as needed

Time Commitment:
Early Service shift is 9:30 am – 10:10 am (greeter table volunteers arrive 5 minutes early to set
up greeter table)
Late Service shift is 11:00 am – 11:40 am (greeter table volunteers return after service to
answer questions and pack up greeter table)
Responsibilities/Duties:

Welcome members and visitors to the church with a smile, warm handshake, and pleasant
greeting.

Request visitors complete information cards.

Make nametag for all visitors.

Greet visitors and provide information as needed.

Direct visitors to classes, nursery, sanctuary, restrooms, etc.

Introduce visitors to church staff, teachers and members of similar age or interest as
appropriate.

Open doors for/assist the elderly or disabled.
Welcoming Tips and Tricks
Walking in the doors…
Visitors are vulnerable guests. When we invite people into our homes, we do not let them find the
bathrooms and coffee; we show them where important things are. We help them feel comfortable.
Most visitors are looking for connection, kindness, acceptance and shared values. They want to be
personally recognized and welcomed. It is easy to provide these things:
•
•
•
•
A smile and a warm welcome (“Hi, how are you? I don’t believe we have met.”)
Ask them to take a moment to fill in an information card
Make a name tag for them (Do not ask them to do it themselves.)
A friendly question (“Is there anything I can answer for you?”)
One quarter of Americans have no close personal relationships. We can be gentle in our approach but
still ensure our visitors/guests know that we want them to be part of our community. There are some
people who would prefer to have space on the first time they are here. They will make that clear. Please
don’t assume this is the case because most newcomers will open up if given the chance. If the visitor
does want to be left alone, tell them you or other members of the welcoming team will be available
after the service at the Welcome Center, if they have any questions.
You can also show them the resources we have in the Narthex or the Welcome Center. Invite them to
take any brochures they would like. A current copy of our newsletter shows newcomers the activities
and programs we have going on here. Invite them to help themselves to coffee or tea in Channing
before or after the service.
Most newcomers do not have difficult questions, but if they ask something you cannot answer, there is
usually a staff member nearby who can help. A staff member can always follow up with them as well.
How do you know if they are new?
We have a lot of members, friends and visitors here during services. It is hard for all of us to know who is
technically new. It may feel awkward finding out someone has been a member for 10 years. Starting out
by saying “I don’t believe we have met…” rather than “Are you new?” helps ease the awkwardness.
Where do children go?
• Children are welcome to go into Religious Education (RE) classrooms or to stay with their
parents in the service.
• Children in RE always start by signing in to their classroom. From there they will be directed to
Raible Chapel, the Sanctuary, or other meeting places.
Research has shown that visitors determine the friendliness of the congregation during the 10 minutes
AFTER the service. Please stay near the visitors table and follow up with any visitors you may have seen
before services.
Questions to ask:
• “How did you enjoy the service?”
• “May I answer any questions for you?”
• “Would you like a tour of Channing Hall?”
“How are we caring today for the many people who dare get out of bed on a Sunday morning
and risk meeting us in hopes that we will provide the religious community they want?...Let us
treat each visitor as the precious gift they are, just as we were when we first visited…This is not
rocket science, this is human love.”
--UUA Moderator Gini Courter