There have been a lot of reinvented wheels in 2020. From working at home to masking up to providing a virtual option for nearly everything, we’ve all had to rethink those things that come naturally to us.
As churches begin to regather in person, our guest services and hospitality teams will have to undergo some of the most radical reinventions. Handshakes, hugs, and high fives are gone for a while. Up-close-and-personal conversations are frowned upon. And that time set aside to turn and greet your neighbor during the service? Yeah, roughly half of your people hated that well before COVID. Maybe it’s time to just let that one go.
So how do we welcome guests in the age of social distancing? I think there are at least five things to think about:
- Know the plan and follow the plan.
If your church has a COVID response plan or reopening protocols, you and your team should know and follow those. It will be frustrating to your guests if they read one thing on the website, but see something else enforced. Make sure that you are aligned on talking points, rules, and what to do in the case of a tough conversation.
- Be hospitable to every guest (and their accompanying perspective).
Some first-time guests are hungry to be around people. Their desire for relationships may override their fear of the pandemic. Other guests are going to be fearful of gathering with a large crowd – if they show up at all.
As hospitality directors, we have to be aware of all sides and respond accordingly. We…
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