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More important than one might think, but still easy peasy!
More important than one might think, but still easy peasy!
The importance of this role is usually underestimated and from 2018 the role carries an additional responsibility for being Area Warden 1 during an emergency evacuation—don't worry, that's not as scary as it might sound!
You will need to come early—around 9:50am to greet people as they arrive with a welcoming word or two. (People will still arrive after the service starts but you don't have to stand at the door the whole time.)
If we add 'recording attendance' to the role we then have three responsibilities:
Role 1: Welcoming
Role 1: Welcoming
Without going too "megachurch" on it (I've seen a video that encourages their greeters go around high-fiving everyone so yeah...), the greeter is still the first impression and often the only connection a visitor will make. Making people feel welcome is more than just a handshake but if that's all you can manage, you've still performed a fine job!
If you want to level up on it though, engage with new people with a bit of conversation—even if it's just to say where the loos are—but keep it brief before the service so as not to clog the doorway and/or miss anyone else.
It would be tremendous if you could find the newcomers after the service, and if you think it's appropriate, invite them up to the hall for a cuppa—especially if they are at a loss. There you can introduce them to someone else (perhaps Stu or another Community Leader):
"Hi Stu, can I introduce Joe* who is here for the first time. Joe, it was nice to meet you and perhaps I'll see you again sometime."
I've found the following questions helpful for maintaining slightly longer conversations:
Tell me about where you come from?
Tell me about your family?
What do you do with your time?
Role 2: Record attendance.
Role 2: Record attendance.
Part way through the service, after most of the late people have come, and before the children go out, take the fluoro notebook and make a quick headcount of the numbers there.
Role 3: Area 1 Warden
Role 3: Area 1 Warden
This sounds scary but really isn't. This is what you need to know if the alarm sounds and there's an emergency:
Be familiar with the Area 1 Warden's evacuation procedure. Make sure you have a look at the Fire Warden page for the Fire Warden Manual and videos on how the evacuation works.
Stick to the plan. It's already been discussed and ratified by Cityside so if you deviate from it, it could be very dangerous for others or yourself.
Be aware that you are not liable or culpable for any losses. It's a service where you are aiding us in making sure people are out of harm's way. Our agreed procedures have considered the risks and prioritised the procedure accordingly.
That's it. Welcome, Record and maybe Evacuate. I personally love the idea of younger ones greeting as well however, given the responsibilities another adult (over 18) needs to be given the Area 1 Warden responsibility for that day.
* names have been changed to protect the innocent
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