Series Title: From Friendly to Formational
Description:
First impressions aren’t just about hospitality—they’re about discipleship. In this foundational session, you’ll learn why the guest services ministry isn’t just a parking team or a greeter line. It’s the front porch of the Kingdom of God. These three videos equip your team to move from transactional greetings to relational invitations, setting the tone for spiritual transformation from the moment someone pulls into the parking lot.
Key Takeaways:
Video 1: The Power of First Impressions – Why They Matter More Than You Think
Discover the seven-minute rule, explore biblical examples of welcome, and learn why the first encounter may be someone’s first step toward Jesus. This video casts vision for the whole guest services team—from parking to pew.
Video 2: Nuts and Bolts – Building a First Impressions System That Makes Disciples
Let’s get practical. Learn how to create a scalable system, place volunteers strategically, and build a guest flow that feels warm, organized, and intentional—without burning out your team.
Video 3: The Art of the Encounter – Moving from Friendly to Formational
Not all ministry happens from the stage. This video trains your team to listen for spiritual cues, use body language to communicate safety, and guide guests toward meaningful next steps—all in a 90-second conversation.
Downloads
Playbook
From Friendly to Formational – The Guest Services Field Guide
📘 Session 1 Workbook: The Power of First Impressions
Description:
This workbook is more than fill-in-the-blanks—it’s a coaching tool for every usher, greeter, parking lot leader, and welcome team volunteer who wants to help people feel seen, not just seated.
Designed to accompany the Session 1 video training, this guide equips your team to build a first impressions ministry that’s relational, repeatable, and rooted in the mission of Jesus.
Inside you’ll find:
- ✅ Key Principles – Recap of core ideas from the videos: the 7-minute window, the 90-second encounter, and the theology of hospitality.
- ✅ Team Assessment Tools – Simple checklists and reflection questions to evaluate your current guest experience.
- ✅ Practical Exercises – Scenarios for role-playing, body language training, and crafting your “welcome without weirdness.”
- ✅ Volunteer Role Clarity – A breakdown of key roles and expectations—from the parking lot to the pew—so no one is guessing what “success” looks like.
- ✅ Next Step Tracker – A space for volunteers and leaders to capture real names, next steps, and weekly wins.
Whether you’re onboarding new team members or re-aligning a long-time crew, this workbook helps every person on your team show up with clarity, consistency, and Christlike care.
IBSA Growth Team Leader