A welcoming church is one that embodies biblical hospitality—an environment where both longtime members and first-time visitors feel seen, valued, and loved. In his book Becoming a Welcoming Church, Thom S. Rainer identifies a key role called the “roaming greeter,” someone who assists newcomers from the moment they arrive until they are comfortably seated.
Below, you’ll find practical steps, biblical examples, and core attitudes to help you serve as a roaming greeter and extend the love of Christ to everyone who walks through your church doors.
Biblical Foundations for Hospitality
When we think about hospitality in the church, it might be tempting to view it as just something “nice” we do—or maybe as a job for the “hospitality team.” However, the Bible shows us that caring for guests is a crucial part of following Jesus.
In Romans 12:13, Paul writes, “Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.” The Greek word for “hospitality” is philoxenia, which literally means “love of the stranger.” It’s not just loving people you already know or get along with—it’s about welcoming those who might feel like outsiders.
We also see 1 Peter 4:9 telling us to “show hospitality to one another without grumbling.” In other words, we shouldn’t see welcoming others as an annoying task or something we do out of a sense of obligation. Instead, we’re called to show genuine love to those who step into our churches or homes.
These passages make it clear that hospitality isn’t optional for Christians. It’s a direct reflection of God’s own welcoming heart. When we greet people with warmth, help them find a seat, or introduce their kids to our children’s ministry team, we’re putting Christ’s love on display. A truly welcoming congregation goes out of its way to make guests feel comfortable, from the parking lot all the way into the sanctuary.
Being welcoming might mean offering a simple smile, showing someone where the restroom is, or introducing yourself and asking them about their life. Little acts of kindness can make a big impact. God can use these moments to open hearts and draw people closer to Him.
So, let’s remember the true meaning of philoxenia—loving the stranger. By caring for guests, we’re not just being polite; we’re living out the Gospel and reflecting God’s own hospitality to the world.
The Role of a Roaming Greeter
If your church is serious about being welcoming, the “roaming greeter” role is key. A roaming greeter does more than simply hand out bulletins. They take responsibility for how each visitor experiences the church—from their first step in the door until they’re seated comfortably.
Making Visitors Feel at Home – Think about John 13:34–35, where Jesus tells us to love one another. That love should show in your warm smile, friendly eye contact, and open demeanor. Make people feel seen and valued right away.
Helping with Childcare Registration – One of the biggest worries for parents is dropping off their kids in a new place. Walk them through the sign-in procedures, introduce them to the children’s ministry staff, and show them their kids are in good hands.
Explaining the Church Layout – New visitors usually have no idea where to find the sanctuary, restrooms, or classrooms. Pointing these out—or even walking with them—can turn a possibly awkward moment into a welcoming experience.
Answering Questions – Be prepared to share basic details like service times, small group info, or even what your church believes. If you don’t know the answer, don’t worry! Follow Proverbs 15:22, and connect them to someone who does. It shows you care enough to get them the right help.
Listening and Praying – Sometimes visitors will open up about what’s going on in their lives. If they share a worry or struggle, offer to pray with them right then and there (see James 5:16). Show them genuine empathy; it can mean a lot to someone who’s searching or hurting.
Connecting Visitors to the Right People – If a visitor has a specific need—maybe they’re dealing with a crisis or looking for a particular ministry—try to connect them with the right leader or church member. Think of Acts 9:26–27, where Barnabas helped Paul connect with the apostles. You can do the same for new folks in your church.
In short, roaming greeters take a holistic approach to welcoming. It’s not just about saying “hello” at the door. It’s about loving people all the way through their first experience. By doing so, you’ll be reflecting Jesus’ heart for hospitality in a powerful, tangible way.
Biblical Examples of Hospitality
Abraham’s Example (Genesis 18:1–8)
In Genesis 18, we see Abraham greeting three visitors with enthusiasm and generosity. He wasn’t just offering them a meal or a place to rest; he was showing the kind of genuine hospitality that God wants all believers to practice. What Abraham didn’t realize at first was that these visitors were angelic messengers—a reminder that caring for guests can sometimes be more significant than we realize. Jesus echoes this idea in Matthew 25:35–40, where He teaches that when we welcome and serve others, we’re ultimately serving Him.
New Testament Encouragement (Hebrews 13:2)
In the New Testament, Hebrews 13:2 says, “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” In the early church, practicing hospitality was vital for fellowship and for spreading the Gospel. Believers opened their homes to traveling teachers, shared meals, and met the practical needs of fellow Christians and newcomers alike.
By showing this kind of open-hearted hospitality, we follow God’s own welcoming spirit. Whether it’s offering a visitor a place to sit, sharing a meal, or simply saying a friendly hello at church, these small acts can show people a glimpse of Jesus’ love. Welcoming churches must wholeheartedly embrace this model of hospitality—caring for both the practical and spiritual needs of every guest we encounter.
Essential Qualities of a Roaming Greeter
A roaming greeter shouldn’t just be friendly—they should have a heart that reflects Jesus’ love in every interaction. Here are five key qualities to consider:
Loving Attitude – Galatians 5:22–23 describes the fruit of the Spirit—like kindness, patience, and gentleness. These qualities should shine through whenever you greet someone new. Even a smile or a quick word of encouragement can show Christ’s love.
Servant’s Heart – Jesus said, “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve…” (Mark 10:45). That means we place the needs of visitors first. If someone needs help finding a classroom, walk with them instead of just pointing the way. Show them you genuinely care about their experience.
Reliability and Consistency – Faithfulness in small tasks matters to God (Luke 16:10). If you commit to greeting, be there on time and ready to serve. Knowing you’ll always be in your spot each week gives visitors a sense of security—they’ll see you as a go-to person for help.
Knowledge of Church Ministries – 1 Peter 3:15 tells us to “…Always be prepared to make a defense…”—in other words, be ready to explain what you believe and what your church offers. You don’t need a seminary degree, but at least know the basics: service times, children’s programs, small groups, and who to talk to for specific needs.
Prayerful Sensitivity – Ephesians 6:18 encourages us to “pray at all times in the Spirit.” Before each service, ask the Holy Spirit for wisdom. Sometimes visitors have deeper struggles they won’t immediately mention. Pray that God will help you sense these needs and guide you in how to respond.
When you blend these five qualities together—love, service, reliability, knowledge, and prayerful sensitivity—you’ll help visitors feel truly welcomed and cared for. And in doing so, you’ll show them a real-life picture of Jesus’ heart for them.
Practical Steps to Serve Effectively
Roaming greeters must be purposeful in creating a truly welcoming environment. Here are five practical ways to put that into action:
Arrive Early – Take a few moments before the service to pray for visitors, volunteers, and the worship service itself. Review any church announcements or events so you can share them with guests if needed. Being there ahead of time shows you’re ready and eager to welcome people.
Set Up a Welcoming Environment – Make sure the foyer or welcome station is tidy and well-stocked with any materials visitors might need (visitor cards, childcare forms, brochures, etc.). A clean and organized area communicates warmth and preparedness.
Approach People Intentionally – Keep an eye out for anyone who looks uncertain or lost. Walk up, introduce yourself, and offer assistance. A simple “Hello, how can I help you?” can ease the nerves of a first-time visitor.
Offer Next Steps – Instead of pointing someone to their seat, walk with them. Invite them to a fellowship time (like coffee or snacks) after the service or mention upcoming gatherings where they can meet others. This helps people see the church as a community, not just a place they attend.
Follow Up – After the service, pass along any contact information you’ve collected to your church’s follow-up team. Pray for the people you met and make an effort to greet them by name if they return in future weeks. This small gesture can greatly encourage them to keep coming back.
By putting these five steps into practice, you’ll help guests feel valued from the moment they walk in. In doing so, you’re reflecting God’s own heart of hospitality—and that could be the spark that leads someone to deeper fellowship and a growing faith.
Living Out the Gospel Welcome
As a roaming greeter, your role is to be the hands and feet of Jesus—making sure that newcomers feel comfortable, valued, and cared for from the moment they step into church until they’re seated. This simple act of hospitality is a powerful witness to Christ’s love. In Mark 12:31, Jesus tells us, “…You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” This command might sound straightforward, but it’s life-changing when we actually put it into practice. Even a friendly “Good morning!” can speak volumes about Jesus’ compassion.
Living Out the Gospel Welcome means you get to personify Jesus’ love. As a roaming greeter, every handshake, smile, or guiding word shows visitors the same grace Christ has shown you. By helping guests feel at ease, you’re living out the Gospel—showing them a little piece of how Jesus welcomes all of us.
However, true hospitality isn’t just an idea we talk about; it’s Love in Action. Think of James 2:17, which says that faith without works is dead. Whether you’re offering to help carry a mom’s diaper bag or quietly listening as someone shares a burden, you’re putting the love of Jesus on display in a way people can see and feel.
It’s also crucial to Focus on Others, remembering that it’s not about you. Philippians 2:3–4 encourages us to see others as more important than ourselves. When you leave your comfort zone to greet or pray for someone you don’t know, you’re showing the same selflessness Jesus displayed throughout His ministry.
Another beautiful part of welcoming people is that it fosters Unity in Diversity. Ephesians 2:14 talks about Christ breaking down every dividing wall. In the church, we want to see people of different backgrounds, cultures, and experiences come together as one family. By intentionally making everyone feel included, you’re painting a picture of God’s Kingdom—a place where all believers find a real sense of belonging.
Finally, never forget that we all need grace. Ephesians 2:8–9 reminds us that we’re saved by grace, not by anything we’ve done. The more we remember how Christ welcomed us despite our shortcomings, the more we’ll be ready to welcome others without judgment. Essentially, we’re just passing along the same kindness God has already shown to us.
In these ways—through warm greetings, practical help, sincere love, and a spirit of unity—you’ll be living out the Gospel welcome every single week. May God bless you as you serve in this vital ministry, and may He use your acts of hospitality to draw many people closer to Him.
Digging Deeper
- Romans 12:13 – Show hospitality
- 1 Peter 4:9 – Be hospitable without grumbling
- Hebrews 13:2 – Potential spiritual significance in welcoming strangers
- Galatians 5:22–23 – Fruit of the Spirit
- James 5:16 – The power of prayer
- The Welcoming Church: How to Talk with Visitors (Friends You Don’t Know Yet) – Learn how to treat visitors to your church as a divine appointment for you to welcome friends you don’t know yet into the family.
- Cultivating a Heart of Hospitality – Cultivating hospitality to demonstrate tangible expressions of God’s love to live out Jesus’ command to love our neighbors as ourselves.