Host Team Training – Am I At The Right Place?
Hey, leader.
Yes—you. You’re a leader. And a difference maker. Let’s start there.
You took a step toward serving every person who walks through the doors of our church. You see the difference Christ is making in your life, and you want to others in His direction.
But you still have questions.
That’s okay. The Holy Spirit meets us in the unknown and gives us what we need to take the next step closer to Him and closer to our purpose.
Think of this training as that next step. First off, watch this quick video about what the Host Team gets to do every week!
So What’s the Host Team Win?
Simply put, We want to create an environment that is comfortable so that people are open to experience what God has for them. The Host Team sets the stage with excellence and excitement for people walking through the doors. How do we do all that exactly? So glad you asked.
In this next section, we’ll cover the Big Three. These are the three most important things you can do as a Host Team volunteer to help us carry out our mission.
1. 👋🏼 Greeting/Recruiting:
First, welcome each new guest. A friendly welcome can be made even friendlier by asking if you can help guide them to their seat, LifeKids area, or carry something for them.
Example: We are glad you are here John! 🎉 How’s your day going so far?
Keep an eye out for other friendly people in the lobby, those people who have been here several weeks, and invite them to join our team by asking them to stand by you and greet people coming through the doors.
2. 🗣 Prompting Conversation:
We create message notes in the TheBOD app. Each week you will find important information to follow along with the service and answer questions they may have.
Examples: "Hey, did you see that we've got a serve day coming up in the next few weeks? Have you signed up yet?" or "Wow, I'm looking forward to Baptism weekend. It's always one of my favorites!"
You can ask icebreaker questions, recap key points from the message. You can also ask open-ended questions, questions beginning with who, when, where, why or how.
3. 🙏🏼 Praying:
Finally, offer prayer to guests. You can pray with people right in the lobby area, or encourage them to click in TheBOD app if they’d rather submit their prayer request privately. It’s amazing to see how loved people feel when someone reaches out to pray with them!
Example: John, I’m so sorry to hear that you lost your grandfather this week. Could we pray together here for you and your family? Let’s pray: God, we lift up John and pray that you would be with him and his entire family today. We ask that you would bring them your perfect peace and comfort, and that you would surround them with people who can encourage them in this season. Thank you for loving us and being with us in every difficult moment. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.
BONUS: ♥️ Share something in your life. This opens the door, leading the way for guests to do the same.
- Relationships are built based on our weaknesses, not our strengths. If we are willing to share our experiences with others, our willingness to share can lead others to share as well.
- Remember that the guests who attend your service are God’s assignment for you! Jesus is with you and you can rest in the knowledge that he will help you as you serve.
- Respect each guest. Remember that each guest is a child of God, even if they don’t yet know him.
Always remember that God is working through you as you serve. Don’t get down if you feel the service did not go well. Trust that God is at work. He is taking the time you have invested and will use you to reach someone no one else can reach.
The Details
Now that you know our win, and a few of the most important things that we do to accomplish that Let’s talk a little more about some of the details of what to expect by answering some questions that will hopefully answer your questions.
How often do I serve?
Most Host Team volunteers serve at either of our Sunday experiences. You’ll serve for one full experience, usually around 1 hour.
Host Team volunteers serve weekly or every other weekend depending on your availability.
There are opportunities to serve during the week on our Prep Team or early on Sunday before experiences on the Cafe Team. Take with your Host Team Pastor if you’re interested in these roles.
What do I wear?
If you’ve ever been a part of a team, you know that showing up in team gear is part of the fun!
We ask our volunteers to wear either a Host Team lanyard or the Host Team shirt provided by their Host Team pastor when they serve. You’ll receive this shirt when you serve for the first time.
This also helps us to ensure our guests know you’re a safe place to ask questions or learn more about the experience.
When do I arrive?
Arrive 25 minutes before your serving time begins. You’ll be able to attend the Host Team huddle and get any last minute details about the day.
After huddle you’ll go to your designated serving area for the day.
Where do I go?
When you arrive make sure to check in the Host Team area located in the lobby. You’ll get a sticker to wear so guests can know your name.
What will my serving experience look like?
While each team has small differences, here’s a great timeline of what your serving experience should look like.
Serve one, Attend one.
We ask every person who serves to serve one and attend one. This means you serve for one experience and attend the other fully so that you can worship and sit with those you invite.
Host Team Axioms
These are things you’ll hear us say a lot when you serve with us. They inspire us to do everything we do with excellence and passion.
We get to do this!
This is bigger than us and not about us.
We trust God to do more than we can ask, think, or imagine and constantly give glory to him. The way will always come before the what or the how.
Lost Larry
Everybody is somebody’s someone.
We don’t always know how long someone has been prayed for, fought for, and invited before they say”yes” to church. We know we get only a few moments to make it meaningful. We treat everyone like they are our someone.
Get in here!
We’ve been waiting for you.
We set the stage and fully prepare so we are ready for guests and ready for God to move.
Comfort starts with safety.
Safety starts with me.
We set the stage and fully prepare so we are ready for guests and ourselves.
We don’t have baggage fees.
TheBOD is a place to belong before you believe.
We make room for people and baggage. The Church is a refuge and a place of inclusion and acceptance for all people.
Set the temperature.
We are thermostats not thermometers.
We are the first impression and set the temperature for the guest’s experience. Our body language and interactions are a depiction of joy and positivity.
One by one.
Every person matters to us because every person matters to God. We make our interactions individual and unique, personal and prompt.
Far from Forgettable
We go the extra mile.
We exceed the expectations of our guests with action, care, and connection.
Enjoy it!
We have fun.
We have fun because not having fun is boring.
Feeling Extra-Spicy? Below are some great links from our partners at LifeChurch to articles that can help you as a leader and some more great short trainings.
Short trainings with big impact:
- Why Does Consistency Really Matter?
- Do You Want to Win as a Small Group Leader?
- How Do I Build Trust With My Small Group?
- How Can I Really Be Present for My Small Group?
Can’t-miss articles from Finds.Life: