About

The Welcoming Ministry allows members of the Richland Creek Welcoming Team to use their gift of hospitality (1 Pet. 4:9-10) to greet and serve others, including members, regular attenders, and guests. Those coming to the Creek, in turn, receive the benefit of being made to feel welcome as they cross the threshold into God’s house.

It is the goal of the Welcoming Ministry that everyone entering the Creek should be greeted with “a holy kiss” (2 Cor. 13:12), or more appropriate to our culture, a handshake or hug, a friendly smile, and/or a word of welcome. Additionally, all adults may enjoy a cup of coffee or tea, prepared by members of the coffee team, as they socialize with others coming to pray and worship.

First time guests are invited by tour hosts to register so that follow up visits may be made to determine how we at the Creek may best meet their specific needs. If our guests need childcare or wish to attend a Sunday school class, they are personally escorted to the appropriate location. This brief one-on-one time allows the host to connect with the guest in a more personal way and also gives the host an opportunity to answer questions and to provide information about the Creek and upcoming events.

The Bible is clear that it is both appropriate and expected that we greet other saints (Phil. 4:21-22) and visitors to the Creek (Heb. 13:2). For this reason, greeters, tour hosts, and members of the coffee team serve in their individual roles with true joy. The result is that not only do they fulfill the exhortations of Paul, John, and others in the New Testament epistles, but they also become a model for others to emulate.