Everything you need to serve with confidence
Our mission: grow God's kingdom through every first encounter, replacing anxiety with a genuine sense of belonging.
We never ask "Are you new here?" It puts guests on the spot and can make long-time members feel overlooked. Instead, we use two simple lines that let people identify themselves comfortably.
Once you find out someone is visiting for the first time, your job is simple: make them feel like they came with a friend.
Lead with warmth. Acknowledge the courage it takes to walk into somewhere new.
Ask if they're local and whether there's a friend inside they'd like to connect with. It opens things up naturally.
Cover the essentials: restrooms, coffee, and hand them an Encounter Church brochure so they have something to take home.
Walk families directly to the Kids Counter for registration. Don't just point. Go with them.
If a guest is alone, offer to sit with them during service so they have a familiar face.
Circle back and reconnect. Your follow-up matters just as much as your greeting.
The ministry doesn't end when the music stops. These two steps are what turn a one-time visit into the beginning of a relationship.
After reconnecting post-service, ask permission to reach out during the week.
"Would it be okay if we sent you a quick welcome message this week? What's the best number for that?"
Fill out a New Guest Card with their name, phone number, and a brief description. When they return, we'll recognize them by name, not just by face.
We run two services every Sunday: 9:15 AM and 10:45 AM. To keep our team energized and avoid burnout, volunteers rotate on a simple two-weeks-on, two-weeks-off cycle split between Team A and Team B.
We serve both the 9:15 AM and 10:45 AM experiences. Your team lead will confirm which service(s) you're assigned to based on availability.
Try to get to the Visitor Tables a couple minutes before service ends so you are ready and in position when guests start to filter out. This is prime time for new guests to ask questions, share feedback, and make their first real connection with the church. Your presence there is just as important as the door greeting.
Serving with genuine energy every week is hard if you never get a Sunday to simply worship. The rotation protects both your effectiveness and your own spiritual life.
If you have a preference for Team A or B, or for the 9:15 vs 10:45 service, let your Team Lead know. We'll do our best to accommodate your schedule. For scheduling questions, reach out to Rich or Bitsi directly.
These aren't rules for the sake of rules. Each one exists so guests feel welcomed, safe, and seen the moment they arrive.
Always wear your bright green lanyard on shift. It's the fastest signal a guest has to find someone safe to approach.
When each service ends, move immediately to the Visitor Tables in the lobby. Guests are directed to find you there by your green lanyard to connect and learn more about the church.
All scheduling runs through the Services app. Keep your availability current so your team always knows they can count on you.
If you have any questions, need help getting comfortable in your role, or want to walk through the process with someone, don't hesitate to reach out to Rich or Bitsi. We want every team member to feel confident and prepared before their first Sunday.
A short song to help you memorize every step of the guest experience. The lyrics are on the right so you can follow along and commit them to memory.
"I don't believe we've had the opportunity to meet. My name is [Your Name]."
"How long have you been coming to Encounter Church?"