Greeting is an act of communication in which human beings intentionally make their presence known to each other, to show attention to, and to suggest a type of relationship between individuals or groups of people coming in contact with each other. Church staff and worship leaders definitely do lots of “greeting” on Sunday mornings, but here are three that you must do each week!
1) Volunteers – band, tech, sound, drama, other worship participants – greet each one warmly (especially early in the morning) as they arrive! Look them in the eye, call them by name, and greet them. Sometimes, when someone comes in as I am singing during the sound check, I will call their name and say “hi” in the microphone – even if we are in the middle of a song.
2) Your spouse / family that you probably don’t see too much until after church on Sundays. I typically see my wife and kids come in during the first (or second) song on Sunday mornings and I usually try to make eye contact and smile. Then, as I head back to the congregation after the portion of the service I am involved in, I sit down with them and connect.
3) The congregation – a warm greeting to the congregation is important for any worship gathering. As the worship leader, it is likely that you are one of the first to officially make the congregation feel a part of something and welcome them. Phrases like “Welcome to worship this morning, I am glad you are here.” or “Isn’t it good to be in worship this morning – welcome!” are important and meaningful.