The First Thirty Seconds : A Guide to Hospitality for Greeters and Ushers

Greeters and ushers are the "first contact" with the congregation for many people who visit on Sunday morning. The number one question visitors want answered is: "Is this a friendly congregation?" They start forming their answer based in large part on how welcoming and helpful the greeters and ushers of the church are. This booklet provides clear training for these official representatives of the church, with an emphasis on hospitality. Giving copies to all the greeters and ushers in your church can help widen your church's welcome.

S. Joan Hershey is the Coordinator of New Life Ministries, a cooperative initiative in evangelism and church vitality between the Brethren Church, the Church of the Brethren, Mennonite Church USA, Mennonite Church Canada, the Shalom Foundation, and Christian Community. Hershey has years of experience working successfully at the local church, regional, and denominational levels. Hershey is a skilled author and communicator, with a great love for congregations and their leaders.