
An active Welcome Ministry is ready to respond to our most obvious evangelistic opportunity: the people who have made their way to the church door. Sunday greeters can make this new experience less intimidating by answering questions, providing the right materials, and making introductions.
- Recruit volunteers to serve as greeters for Sunday mornings and other services.
- Define responsibilities (i.e. what time to arrive by, what to hand out) and create a schedule and substitution system.
- Provide training as needed (i.e. go over Welcome Packet, common questions).
- Create a Welcome Packet for visitors.
- Fr. Jim Kordaris (646-519-6160) at the Greek Archdiocese can send you the following:
- Brochures regarding The Eucharist, Baptism, and more
- Visitor Card and customizable stand
- Welcome folder depicting Christ the Good Shepherd
- Ancient Faith Publishing brochures are available here.
- Comprehensive “What is the Orthodox Church?” pamphlet is available here.
- Fr. Jim Kordaris (646-519-6160) at the Greek Archdiocese can send you the following:
- Capture visitor contact information with guest sign-in or visitor card.
- Create a system for clergy to formally acknowledge visitors by name during announcements.
- Seat visitors next to parishioners who are willing to help them find their way in the service book.
- Invite visitors to stay for coffee hour.
- Follow up with visitors during coffee hour.
- Introduce visitors to the clergy and other parishioners.
- Create a welcome table in the fellowship hall and staff the table. Keep it stocked with appropriate brochures and parish information.
- Make follow-up phone calls with visitors the week after their visit.
- Create a parish-specific brochure to tell your story. Contact us for sample copy.
- Create materials to describe parish ministries and invite participation.
- Routinely evaluate Welcome Packet for improvement.