Have you noticed the greeters wearing red shirts on Sunday mornings, helping you cross Main Street, opening doors for you, giving a friendly greeting? These are members of the First Impressions team, a vital ministry at First Methodist Midland for over ten years.
First Impressions Coordinator: Linda Braden
First Impressions Team Leaders: Linda Braden, Martie Coleman, Greg Mitchell, Price Robinson, Sue Solari, and Judy Summers
Q&A with Linda Braden who coordinates the six First Impressions teams, currently comprised of 52 team members:
What do First Impressions teams do?
First some background: The concept of creating “First Impressions Teams” was developed by Mark L. Waltz who at the time was Pastor of Connections at Granger Community Church. He published a book called “First Impressions: Creating WOW Experiences in Your Church”. He understood how “first impressions” were usually “lasting impressions” and people usually return to places where a good first impression was made. He emphasized that a good first impression makes a person feel valued.
As a church we should be helping each other find Christ. First Impression team members (as well as all other church members) should be creating an atmosphere of warmth and personal acceptance (i.e. personal value) that guarantees everyone who enters our church building is able to take their next steps towards Him.
What we want to do as First Impression team members specifically is anticipate any potential problems that might interfere or distract someone from their real purpose while at FUMC. This may mean providing a safe crossing on a busy and bumpy Main Street or clear communication/directions regarding church services or church events. Sometimes it’s just making sure that everyone who comes to our church has been spoken to and felt acknowledged. We would like them to see Christ in us.
At FUMC, our First Impressions team members try to be outside to greet and give directions at all doors leading to services, to help anyone who is walking impaired, and (since we have limited parking spaces directly connected to our building) to help everyone cross the streets safely.
Why is First Impressions an important ministry at First Methodist?
First Impressions is important because we are able to convey: “You matter to God so you matter to us.” I can’t imagine how awful it would be for someone to go to a church and no one speaks or interacts with them or they go into a building and cannot figure out where they need to go. Sometimes the sheer size of our church campus can be daunting for church members, much less to those who are here for the first time. We exist to try to help everyone find their way (whether it’s to a service, a class, an event, or a restroom) and by doing this, hopefully encourage them to return to this house of God. If we can get them where they want to go, I believe God will do the rest.
Do you have a need for any additional team members?
Yes! Ten to twelve members per team would be ideal so there is less pressure on other team members when someone is absent or out of town.
What are the responsibilities and time commitments to being a team member?
We have six teams who serve on a rotational basis which means teams serve every 6 weeks. Our main responsibility is to serve on Sunday mornings before and after services in 30-minute increments. We are in position 15 minutes prior to the beginning of a service to 15 minutes after the service begins and then again 15 minutes before a service concludes to 15 minutes after its conclusion. Typically our current schedule is: in our positions 8:45-9:15; 9:45-10:15; 10:45-11:15; and 11:45-12:15 with breaks in between to attend the service(s) of your choice. Prior to the pandemic we had team members placed outside as well as inside to provide directions, when needed. During the pandemic we have placed most of our team members in outside positions as door greeters, sidewalk ushers, and as crossing guards.
Occasionally, I will ask for volunteers to serve additional time to help at large funerals or large community events (such as a concert) at our church.
Are there any age or physical limitations to serving on a team?
We haven’t come across many physical limitations thus far that keep someone from saying, “Hello. Welcome to First Methodist!” If a person wants to serve, we will find a way for them to do it! Currently, we have some school aged children who serve with their parents by saying, “Hello” and opening doors, etc. This is a great way for families to serve the church together!
A very special thanks to Linda Braden who has served on a First Impressions’ team since the origination of the ministry! Over 10 years of service!! Linda shared that over half of the FI team members have served for at least eight to 10 years! Wow! We are so thankful for this dedicated group!
If you are looking for a place to serve and want to help make a great “First Impression”, contact Linda Braden at lbraden@suddenlink.net or by phone at 432.634.6561.
