Want your women’s ministry to feel welcoming and hospitable? Use a model adapted from the hotel concierge system.

God sought us out when we were far off and sent his Son to die the death we deserved while we were enslaved to sin. Because of Jesus, he welcomes us graciously and lavishly into his family. As image-bearers of God, we want our lives to display that same hospitality to our guests, both in our homes and our churches.

The first time my husband, Steve, and I visited Mars Hill, we had two little kids in tow, and our first thoughts were of their comfort in this new place. Seeing our family, the greeter immediately left his post at the front door and personally escorted us to the childcare room on another floor of the building. Instantly, we felt cared for and at home because of his efforts and thoughtfulness.

First impressions matter

Think about the first time you stayed overnight in someone’s home, or visited a new place on vacation. It’s likely that your comfort level was influenced by how you were greeted and informed about things like where to put your suitcase, where the bathrooms were, and how to find refreshments. If no one responds to your unspoken need with hospitality, or you are ignored, it’s quite likely that your first impressions will be terrible and you will be unlikely to return.

Jesus welcomes us graciously and lavishly into his family. As image-bearers of God, we want our lives to display that same hospitality to our guests.

A visitor will quickly draw conclusions during the first few minutes upon arriving at the Women’s Midweek Study. We want each woman to feel invited and welcome as we break down any barriers that may stand in the way of feeling a part of our family. In an effort to enhance our greeting and ensure that women enjoy a world-class experience, I suggest using a model adapted from a hotel concierge system.

The concierge model

When you stay at a hotel, a concierge is someone who is at your service, is extremely relational, answers your questions, gives you direction, and ensures that you have the information you need to make your experience memorable and satisfying. Building off of that model, we want to create a similar experience as we invite visitors into our community.

At the Women’s Midweek Study, the concierge stands at the entrance and greets visitors, starting conversation and staying with them from the time they enter the door until the time they sit down at a table and get connected to a table leader.

This process may include walking with them to the childcare area, waiting for them to check in their kids, showing them where the stroller parking is, helping them get checked in at the registration desk, inviting them to get coffee and snacks from the hospitality area, and introducing them to their table leader.

A concierge is someone who is at your service, is extremely relational, answers your questions, gives you direction, and ensures that you have the information you need.

Throughout this experience, the concierge is getting to know the visitor with friendly and engaging questions and conversation.

The concierge in action

A concierge goes above and beyond to meet the needs of the guest, ensuring a quality visit. Here are some key goals for being a welcoming and hospitable concierge:

Building a concierge team

Who is the concierge? You are! If you are actively involved in women’s ministry, either as a leader or a participant, you can do this. It requires very little effort to be friendly and kind, no matter where you fall on the introvert/extrovert spectrum. When we are invested in imaging God to those around us by reflecting his generous, welcoming heart, he gives us the strength to reach out unselfishly and focus on someone else. Ask him to give you his heart for people.

Who is the concierge? You are!

Who in your church is gifted in hospitality and kindness? Find these women and put them to work as your concierge team. There are tired mamas, lonely ladies, and curious newcomers waiting to be cared for and welcomed into your women’s ministry. How will they meet Jesus as you represent him at your church?

A special thanks to Amanda Hightower for her contributions to this concept and post.

Check out the complete Organizing a Women’s Midweek Study series