Why does this matter?
All sorts of people come through the grand and slightly intimidating front steps of Scots on a Sunday: those seeking God and perhaps coming to a church for the first time, those returning after a bad experience at church in the past, perhaps a visitor to the city where a change of context is a time to rethink the big questions of life. Regulars coming to church may have had a fantastic or a terrible week and are struggling to get there. The reception people receive at the door can set the tone for church being a place where everyone is welcome – no matter who they are or how they are feeling. Your welcome may be part of the morning being a significant encounter with God.
We have three teams that work together to help people move from their first visit to being fully connected to our church community and to our mission to the city and the world.
What’s the commitment?
- Sunday duties one week in three.
- Outside of Sunday duties should average 3 hours/week.
- Attend 45 min Pathway team meeting each week (currently Monday, 9am Zoom or in person).
- Attend every third Orientation Lunch – 3 hours once every 3 months.
- Follow up during the week, 1-2 hours (1-2 meet-ups – 30 min meet-up + time to arrange meetings).
What is Involved?
- The Connect (Check-in, Greet and Pathway) Teams and Morning Tea meet briefly all together for prayer at 9:55am sharp in the meeting room in the Church Office. Grab a lanyard from the Connect Box at the Check-in area.
- Following prayer, the Pathway confirms together the list of returnees we are seeking to serve. Need to know: date for the upcoming Orientation/Newcomer Lunch.
- Prioritise returnees who have been flagged in the 9:50am meeting. While it is tempting to chat with friends or talk to first-timers, keep yourself free to talk to returnees.
- Explain that the Orientation Lunch is the next step. Ask them for an email or mobile so this can be progressed.
- An example of what you could say: “Hi, nice to finally meet you, has anyone grabbed your email and invited you to our Orientation Lunch yet? It’s a great way to hear more about Scots and what we’re about, meet a few other new-ish people, and find out how to get involved”.
- If appropriate, invite them to the Informal Lunch (run by the Lunch Leader).
- Stay in your role until 10:45 am to catch late arrivals. Greet them and mention that it would be good to talk after church. After the talk starts/10:45 am, join the service as normal
- After church, continue to look for returnees on your list. Be mindful that some might be seated upstairs.
- Use the Connect WhatsApp group to share any helpful details. Tap something in during a dull moment in the talk or during News.
- Return lanyards and collect belongings from the church office.
Team Leader
- On the day, give clear direction and constructive feedback to your team. It’s the Team Leader’s role to provide on-the-job training and direct the Pathway Team in best practice
- Be familiar with the job description, particularly the vision for your team, as outlined at the start of this page.
- Be mindful of your team. Your role is to set the vision and tone, and to ensure your team members understand their roles. Be alert to those new to serving in this role and connect with them during the week.
- Familiarise yourself with the Kids Church Coordinator rostered on Elvanto that day and let your team members know
- If any complex issues arise on the day, escalate to your Coordinator or, if appropriate, the Session.
- Give your team encouragement and feedback for serving afterwards in person, or by text or email. Give your Coordinator any feedback as to what worked, what didn’t and suggestions for improvement
- Pray for your team leading up to and on the day
- Set an example: aim to arrive ahead of time, be focused on the task and be gracious with team members.
- On the day, if people do not show, contact your Coordinator. It is their job to address this.
Team Coordinator
The Coordinator(s) works behind the scenes to resource this ministry. You can read more about it here. A Coordinator will be rostered on each week (look in Elvanto) to deal with last minute drop-outs.