Loving Our Savior  Learning His Ways  Living Faith Daily

Guest Services Ministry

Roles, Duties, and Responsibilities

Being a Great Living Faith Tabernacle Guest Services Minister (GSM)

Adapted from Apostolic Truth Church, Appleton, WI, Pastor Aaron Soto


LFT Guest Services Director


This role is very important to the success of our church. The Guest Services Director is responsible to insure everything is operating smoothly for guests and maintaining Living Faith's first impressions. He serves the Pastor by directing the efforts of LFT Greeters, Ushers, and guest assimilation.


The LFT Guest Services Badge


The Guest Services badge is a trademark of the first impressions ministry of LFT. When issued a badge  is a compliment to your character and a vote of confidence in you ministry. The badge is to be worn with an understanding that you are no longer an individual, but represent Jesus Christ first, then the leadership and saints of Living Faith.


  • The Guest Services Ministry (GSM) is happy to provide ministry participants with GSM badges.
  • Badges should be stored in the GSM cabinet.
  • The badge is to be worn at all times when on duty. Wearing the badge means that you are ready to engage people and serve.

Trademarks of the Guest Services Minister

  • We have a passion to help people discover the power of an Acts 2:38 experience. Every GSM must relate their duties to soul winning and connecting soul's to Christ's presence.
  • We are willing to work in harmony with leaders and fellow GSM's. We have a heart for unity and a teachable spirit.
  • We have a servant's heart. Jesus didn't come to be served, but rather to be served. GSM's look for ways to serve others; they don't wait to be told.
  • We are able to handle conflict with grace. We must understand that there is a big difference between tension and contention. We should be quick to resolve differences with a spirit of meekness and humility. We must be committed to speak the truth in love and be quick to apologize if it's necessary.
  • We have a burden and love for the good people of Living Faith Tabernacle. Saints are not a disposable resource to be used; they are the bride of Christ and should be treated as such. (Even when they don't act like the bride of Christ)
  • We are willing to serve under the direction of our spiritual authority. We must be willing to receive instruction & direction from our Guest Services Director. We must also realize that every action we make is a reflection of LFT and our Pastor.
  • We are willing to be faithful and dependable in accomplishing delegated duties. We arrive on time and stay until the job is completed. When we put on the GSM badge it's "prime time" we give our best to our duties.
  • We are willing to serve with a good spirit and attitude. Never forget that attitude is a choice! GSM's should wear the biggest smile and radiate the warmest heart in the church service!
  • We are committed to excellence. Our God has  blessed us with many excellent gifts including salvation and the hope of heaven! We are not interested in what we can "get by" with. GSM's are committed to reaching their fullest potential and raising the bar of service.
  • GSM's are faithful Saints. We should not forget the fundamentals of faithfulness. If we are going to miss a service we must inform the Guest Services Director well in advance. It is also very important that we are consistent in the disciplines of prayer, bible study, giving, loving souls and worship.
  • We are encouragers! Seek to be sensitive to the needs of guests and members. Bless others with words of kindness and positive faith.

The Appearance of a Living Faith GSM

GSM's are the face of Living Faith. We are the very first person each guest will see. We are also the first person to interact with our guests. For this reason special attention must be given to our dress and general appearance. A great question to ask yourself in preparation to serve is , "Do I look ready for an important job interview?"

  • Clothing and shoes should be modest & conservative.
  • Clothes should be clean and pressed.
  • On Sunday wear clothing fitting of an important business meeting. On Wednesday business casual attire is acceptable.
  • Your smile is a very important part of the uniform.

The Hygiene of a Living Faith GSM

Because Guest Services Personnel are the first to engage the guest and members of Living Faith, special attention must be given to personal hygiene.

  • A GSM should be freshly showered and ready to interact with the congregation and guests.
  • A GSM must be careful to use deodorant.
  • A GSM's hair should be well cared for and well groomed.
  • A GSM must brush their teeth before each service.
  • Cologne/perfume is encouraged, but sparingly.
  • Breath-mints should be available at all times.

Pre-Service Responsiblities of a Living Faith GSM

  • If not already done, unlock main entrance and turn on the lights in the foyer areas.
  • Participate in pre-service prayer in shifts prior to the service.
  • Ensure the front door area and sidewalks is swept and free from debris.
  • Do a "walk-through" of all first impression areas prior to service. Make sure that these areas are clean; nothing is out of place from a previous event, and no personal items are cluttering the area.
     -Entryway
     -The Foyer
     -The Sanctuary
     -Platform
     -Baptistery
     -Check the restrooms
     -Floors cleaned
     -Odor Issues
     -Toilets flushed
     -Toilet paper in each stall
     -Hand paper towels in each dispenser
     -Sinks, urinals, toilets and mirrors clean
  • Report any cleaning issues to Andrew Delapenha or Noah Ranniger.
  • Confirm sufficient inventory of all GSM materials: i.e LFT business cards, bulletins, special announcement flyers, offering envelopes, etc.

Greeters

Get ready to be an extrovert at the entrance doors! In order to make the right impression at the front door you must be willing to be warm toward people and initiate warm communications. If you are not an extrovert by nature, you must stretch yourself. If you are unable to push yourself in this area, let GS Director know so he can direct your service to another area of GSM.

  • Greeters should be at their post at least 20 minutes prior to service start.
  • Always pay attention to the entrance. Be looking for people.
  • When someone is approaching the door greet them with a smile and a pleasant greeting, "Welcome, it's a pleasure to have you with us today!"
  • Initiate a handshake if the body language is right (If a person does not make eye contact with you, does not respond to your greeting, or their hands are in their pockets, do not try to shake their hand.)
  • Be ready to give affirmation, "What a beautiful family".
  • When opening the door, step outside and stand behind the door to hold it open. Don't stand in front of the door and force people to brush past you.
  • If a person is being dropped off at the front door, look for the opportunity to assist. Help them to the door if necessary.
  • In case of rain, have umbrellas ready! (Umbrellas will be located in the lobby closet) Go out to meet guests with the umbrella as they approach the door.
  • If an individual approaches the sanctuary door and is obviously under the influence of a substance, greet them warmly while you stand in front of the door. Ask them, "Do you have a minute? I would like to chat with you for a moment." Ask your fellow Greeter to get the GS Director. Speak kindly to the person. Assess the situation. If they are not in a position to participate in the service. Explain the situation, thank them for coming. Invite them to come again when they are sober.
  • Homeless guests: LFT is interested in the salvation of everyone! As long as homeless guests are willing to respectfully participate in our services, they are certainly welcome. We offer worship, Word, and prayer for all. However, LFT does not have a budget for social services such as food, clothing, or shelter. If any person is seeking such services, use the LFT tablet and visit www.win211.org to locate services in the area that can be of assistance. You may also refer to the Everett Calendar of meals to assist those who are hungry. LFT will not allow homeless guests to solicit funds from service attendees.
  • Greeter may leave their post 1/2 hour after the service has started.

First-time Guests

  • If a first-time guest walks through the front doors, greet them warmly, one of the two Greeter should stay with the guest and make sure to do the following:
     -Introduce yourself, ask for their name.
     -Introduce the guest to others by name.
     -If the guest has children, share information about Children's Ministry and introduce them to the age appropriate teacher. Explain when children will be dismissed during the service and what they should do.
     -If the guest has an infant or nursery age children, show the guest the LFT nursery area.
     -Ask the guest to share their contact information on the LFT tablet. Let them know it takes just a couple of minutes and that we absolutely respect their privacy.
     -Provide the guest with the LFT gift and materials. Thank them for spending their time with us.
     -Inform the Usher about the guest and ask them to seat the guest.
     -Return to your post.

Ushers

  • GSM(s) should be at their post at least 20 minutes prior to service start.
  • Greet everyone with a warm smile and welcome.
  • Offer to help guests or late-arrivals find a place to sit.
  • Introduce the guest to members sitting nearby.
  • Receiving the Offering.
     -Be ready to come down aisles together when the speaker calls for the offering.
     -Stand at the front of the auditorium facing the crowd. Smile! Stand to the left and the right of the center isle so that people from both sections can easily march past you without blocking the flow of traffic.
     -Be careful to not stare at the gift being placed in the offering bag. Keep your eyes on the giver. Smile! Greet people. Be incredibly friendly.
     -The lead GSM will escort the collection back to the LFT treasurer and confirm the collection.
  • Be quick to deal with disturbances before guests and members become distracted.
     -If a child is running or getting rowdy: respectfully ask the child not to run because we do not want them to get hurt, or hurt anyone else.
     -If a baby is crying and the parent is slow to deal with the issue, approach the parent and quietly tell them, "I can help you, follow me." Lead them to the Nursery.
     -Do not allow parents to keep their crying children in the foyer, the noise carries into the sanctuary.
     -If there is sickness or accident, escort the individual to the fellowship hall. Offer to help in any way possible. Call for an ambulance if needed.
     -If an individual approaches the sanctuary door and is obviously under the influence of a substance, greet them warmly while you stand in front of the door. Ask them, "Do you have a minute? I would like to chat with you for a moment." Ask your fellow Greeter to get the GS Director. Speak kindly to the person. Assess the situation. If they are not in a position to participate in the service. Explain the situation, thank them for coming. Invite them to come again when they are sober.
  •  Homeless guests: LFT is interested in the salvation of everyone! As long as homeless guests are willing to respectfully participate in our services, they are certainly welcome. We offer worship, Word, and prayer for all. However, LFT does not have a budget for social services such as food, clothing, or shelter. If any person is seeking such services, use the LFT tablet and visit www.win211.org to locate services in the area that can be of assistance. You may also refer to the Everett Calendar of meals to assist those who are hungry. LFT will not allow homeless guest to solicit funds from service attendees.
     -If a person is belligerent or tries to disturb the service: approach them quickly; do not be adversarial or threatening in your body language. Speak firmly, "I'm sorry but I have to ask you to leave." Do not allow the individual to harm anyone. Follow them out the door. Ensure they leave the property.
  • Ushers should stand at their post until the preaching of the Word. They can sit in the pew closest to the door during the preaching. Open doors for people exiting during the service.
  • Each service, on Usher will be assigned to watch the sanctuary during the altar call. The rest of the GSMs will be able to respond to the altar call.

Dismissal Time

  • Greeters should hold the doors open for people leaving the building.
      -"Have a wonderful evening!"
  • Ushers
      -Look for guests. 
      -"Have you had a chance to meet our Pastor? He is looking forward to meeting you."
     -Locate Pastor, and bring him to the guest.

5 Things Pastor Doesn't Want a GSM to Say

  • I didn't know I was serving today.
  • What's wrong with what I am wearing?
  • You don't need me.
  • Are we done yet?
  • Referring to Guests as...They, Them, You Guys, Visitors (Use their Name or Call Them a Guest)