The Redeemed Christian Church of God - Rehoboth Assembly CHURCH OPERATIONAL MANUAL FOR WELCOME & HOSPITALITY DEPARTMENT September 2013
Contents 1 Rehoboth Assembly Operational Manual 1 1.1 Introduction 1 1.2 Benefits of the Operational Manual 1 1.3 Coverage of the Operational Manual 1 1.4 Accessing the Manual 2 1.5 Updating the Manual 2 1.6 Implementing the Manual 2 2 Welcome & Hospitality Department Operational Manual 4 2.1 Introduction 4 2.1.1 Brief on Rehoboth Assembly 4 2.1.2 The Welcome & Hospitality Department 4 2.1.3 The Vision of the Welcome & Hospitality Department 4 2.1.4 The Purpose of the Welcome & Hospitality Department 5 2.1.5 The Core Values of the Welcome & Hospitality Department 5 2.2 Expectations from Welcome & Hospitality Members 6 2.2.1 Spiritual Responsibility 6 2.2.2 Responsibility to Self Improvement 6 2.2.3 Responsibility to Rehoboth Assembly 7 2.3 Welcome & Hospitality Department Meetings and Activities 7 2.3.1 Welcoming First Time Worshippers (At Church) 7 2.3.2 Welcome Dinner (Time out with Pastor) 8 2.3.3 Follow-Up (for First Time Worshippers and New Converts) 8 i
1 Rehoboth Assembly Operational Manual 1.1 Introduction As the Rehoboth Assembly Model Parishes continue to grow globally, it has become necessary to have a standardized and documented approach to how each of the various departments within the Church Operates. This we see is a scriptural activity as our God commanded Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it (Habakkuk 2:2). This implies that if we want every member of each department to run effectively and achieve the vision, it needs to be clearly written. This document is a first version that has been created to achieve that purpose. It is by no means an exhaustive documentation of everything that each department does, it is only provided as a guide. Accordingly it is also subject to change and modification based on needs and approval of the Pastorate. 1.2 Benefits of the Operational Manual The provision of this manual offers a number of benefits to the Rehoboth Assembly, these include: 1. It ensures continuity of the work such that in the absence of one or more people, the department can continue to function effectively 2. It serves as a good tool for welcoming new joiners and to give them an induction to the department 3. It helps clarify to the leadership of each department what they are doing well and what they need to improve on 4. It serves as a quick reference for every member of the department and helps them to ensure the delivery of quality service at all times. 1.3 Coverage of the Operational Manual This version of the covers most of the departments fully operational in the Rehoboth Assembly. Other departments may be added in subsequent versions. The Departments covered in this document include: 1. Technical Department 2. Choir Department 3. Friday School Department 4. Teens Church 5. Ushering Department 6. Children s Department 7. Prayer Department 8. Protocol Department 9. Welcome & Hospitality Department 1
1.4 Accessing the Manual This document will be placed on the church website to allow every member have access to it as required. The document may also be printed and given to members as required, however note that the printed copy may be out-dated as the soft copy on the church website will be updated as required. When printing the document, the chapter to be printed are as follows: Chapter 1 Rehoboth Assembly Operational Manual (Introduction) The Chapter for the Relevant Department Chapter NOTE: This is a proprietary product of the Rehoboth Assembly of the Redeemed Christian Church of God but may be used and adopted by other churches within the RCCG network and outside as they may require. 1.5 Updating the Manual The soft copy of the manual saved on the church website will always be the most recent version of the manual. This will be updated from time to time as approved by the Pastorate. The process of updating any section of this manual shall be as follows: 1. Any suggestion to update any section of the manual should be addressed to the Pastorate for consideration. 2. The pastorate will review the suggestion to approve or otherwise. 3. In case of approval, the Pastorate will give instruction for the manual to be updated accordingly. a. Kindly note that no department is permitted to update their manual without the approval of the Pastorate 4. Updates to the Manual will then be communicated to all relevant members of the church workforce for their information and compliance. 1.6 Implementing the Manual Since this manual has been prepared for the improved functioning of each department in the Rehoboth Assembly, it is expected that every member of each department will be fully aware of the contents of the manual and will seek to perform their duties based on the guidance of the manual. The following points are to be noted in ensuring full implementation of the policies 1. The Head of Departments (HODs) are to ensure they fully understand the content of their department manual 2. The HODs are to ensure that the activities of the department and the conduct of its members are in-line with content of the manual. 2
3. Every member is to make it a personal responsibility to know and abide by the manual 4. The Pastorate shall from time to time perform a check on each department to be sure they are in-line with the manual. 3
2 Welcome & Hospitality Department Operational Manual 2.1 Introduction This has been put together to provide guidelines on what is expected from the leaders and members of the Welcome & Hospitality Department in fulfilling their ministry as being part of the Welcome & Hospitality Department of Rehoboth Assembly, RCCG Doha. The document may be used by existing and new members of the Welcome & Hospitality Department for them to understand how things work in the Welcome & Hospitality Department. Any questions should be directed to the leadership of the Welcome & Hospitality Department or the Pastorate of the Rehoboth Assembly. 2.1.1 Brief on Rehoboth Assembly Rehoboth Assembly is a model parish of the Redeemed Christian Church of God. The Rehoboth Assembly Model Parish is growing globally, but the pioneer parish (Central parish) is primarily situated in Doha, the capital of Qatar. The Vision Statement of Rehoboth Assembly is To build a family of believers from all race and colours, with a self-realization of whom they are in Christ, prepared and empowered to minister the Gospel, and positively impacting their environment 2.1.2 The Welcome & Hospitality Department The Welcome & Hospitality Department is an arm of the church responsible for providing first time worshippers to the church warm reception and create a positive impression of the church in their heart something that would make them want to be part of the Rehoboth family. First Time Worshippers refers to those attending our Church Service for the first time or the first time after a long time. The Welcome & Hospitality Department also handles the management of New Converts. Providing follow up and ensuring that they are firmly established in the faith. 2.1.3 The Vision of the Welcome & Hospitality Department The Welcome & Hospitality department of RCCG Rehoboth Assembly is a ministry of service and The Vision of the Welcome & Hospitality Department is based on service to others and is found in Hebrews 13:2 (NIV) Show Hospitality to Strangers and Acts 15:36 Let us now go back and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they are doing. 4
Based on this, the vision of the Welcome & Hospitality Department is to: Provide a memorable welcome to our first time worshippers to encourage them to join the Church while supporting New Converts to ensure they are established in the Faith 2.1.4 The Purpose of the Welcome & Hospitality Department The Welcome & Hospitality Members are like the Welcome and Follow-Up section of the Church. The summary of the purpose of the Department are as follows: 1. Welcoming First Time Worshippers (At Church) 2. Follow-up First Time Worshippers to ensure they identify and participate in House Fellowship. 3. Coordinating the Follow Up for New Converts through various channels. 4. Coordinating the Welcome Dinner for First Time Worshippers (Time out with Pastor) 2.1.5 The Core Values of the Welcome & Hospitality Department The Welcome & Hospitality Department has core values which every member should demonstrate. Every Welcome & Hospitality Member should be: 1. SPIRITUAL: Since we understand that the physical is controlled by the spiritual, the Welcome & Hospitality Department takes our spiritual lives especially prayers and studying of the word very seriously. John 6:63 (NKJV) It is the Spirit that gives life, the flesh profits nothing : 2. POLITE AND CHEERFUL: as we will be interacting with people from different backgrounds the Welcome & Hospitality Members will always maintain a polite and cheerful countenance with all. 3. ORGANIZED: as a department that is to organize the welcome of first time worshippers and the follow up of new converts, it is expected that every member has a high level of organization shown in their individual lives as well. 4. EXCELLENCE: Our Welcome & Hospitality Members are committed to efficiency and excellence, always looking for ways to improve - because our God is a God of Excellence. 5. PATIENCE: Our Welcome & Hospitality Members are committed to exhibiting patience at all times having in mind that a lot of people come with different burdens. (Gal 5:22-23) 6. MODESTY: It is important that members display an attitude of humility that seeks to please God rather than man or self. Members should be characterized by restraint and self-control and dignity in dress, speech and actions. (I Timothy 2:8-10, 1 Peter 3:1-4, 1 Peter 5:5-6) 5
2.2 Expectations from Welcome & Hospitality Members 2.2.1 Spiritual Responsibility All members of the Welcome & Hospitality Department are expected to maintain a high level of spirituality at all times to enable them effectively minister to first time worshippers and new converts in God s vineyard (1 Peter 4:9-11). However, each member of the department is expected to: a) Spend quality time praying and studying the Word of God Acts 6: 4 But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word i. Joshua ministered unto Moses but he also looked into spiritual matters. Ex. 24:12 & 13 And the Lord said unto Moses, Come up to me into the mount, and Moses rose up, and his minister Joshua: and Moses went up into the mount of God. ii. Elisha was also a minister to Elijah and eventually became a great man of God in Israel. I Kings 19:21 Then he (Elisha) arose, went after Elijah, and ministered unto him b) Be full of the Holy Ghost such that it shows in the level of excellence of his work Daniel 6:3 Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him c) Be committed to the life of service as demonstrated by Our Lord Jesus Christ. (Matthew 20:25-28, John 13:4-10, Revelation 7:15) d) Be led by the Holy Spirit to witness and win souls as exemplified by the following disciples; i. Philip: - Who preached Christ all over Samaria and turned many to the saving grace of Jesus Christ. (Acts 8:5-40) ii. Stephen: - Being full of Holy Ghost focused his attention to heaven as he ministered irrespective of the threat to his life. (Acts 7:51-58) 2.2.2 Responsibility to Self Improvement All Welcome & Hospitality Members are expected to continually seek ways to improve themselves in the area of service of the Welcome & Hospitality Department. While the church will provide opportunities for the members to improve themselves, each member is also encouraged to take it as a personal responsibility. Therefore each member is expected to a) Find out better ways of performing the duties of the Welcome & Hospitality department. b) Continue to seek faster and better ways of performing tasks for excellent service delivery. c) Attend seminars and programmes that will assist in improving his/her skills and effectiveness in assigned areas. 6
2.2.3 Responsibility to Rehoboth Assembly The Welcome & Hospitality Department as a department of the Rehoboth Assembly is expected to abide by the regulations of the Church. Accordingly, every member of the department is expected to be: a) Subject to Authority: Heb. 13:17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you. The kingdom of God is a Theocracy and not a democracy as such every member is expected to obey instructions given by the Pastorate and the Leader of the Welcome & Hospitality Department. b) Involved in Church Activities: Heb 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is As responsible workers in His vineyard, members are expected to come regularly and punctually for church services and meetings. These meetings include: o o o Workers Meeting Friday Services Friday School Classes o Midweek Services o House Fellowships o Special Services/Meetings c) Regular and Punctual for Workers Meeting: this helps to prepare the members for the work of the day and to receive important information meant for workers only. As instructed by the Pastor, any Welcome & Hospitality Team member who does not attend the workers meeting for the day will not be allowed to work without a special approval from the Pastor. d) Regular and Punctual for all meetings organized by the Welcome & Hospitality Department e) Prayerfully prepare for any activity he/she may be assigned to perform f) Available for any tasks assigned during the services and meetings. g) Committed to providing excellent service for any assigned tasks with the Welcome & Hospitality Department and church at large. 2.3 Welcome & Hospitality Department Meetings and Activities The meetings and activities performed by members of the department includes but not limited to; 2.3.1 Welcoming First Time Worshippers (At Church) The tasks involved in this include: a) Receive and welcome first time worshippers on behalf of the Pastorate. b) Obtain their contact details through the Let s know you card i. Ensure they fill the cards with accurate and complete information. c) Communicate the Church Vision to them. 7
d) Communicate the church programs and activities (Time for church services) e) Offer them light food and drinks. f) Invite them to a dinner with the Pastorate (Time out with Pastor). i. This is usually planned for the next day (i.e. Saturday). g) Pray with them and lead them to Christ as directed by the Spirit. h) Enjoin them to participate in the Friday School i) Ensure that the first time worshippers are later welcomed through church email and a follow-up phone call. i. Usually evening of same day, but not later than the next day 2.3.2 Welcome Dinner (Time out with Pastor) The tasks involved in this include: a) Coordinate all logistics arrangement for the dinner including organizing and arranging the venue for the dinner b) Introduce the Pastor to the First Time worshippers and provide an avenue for each person to also introduce themselves. i. This may require more wisdom when there are a lot of people. c) Inform them about the different House-Fellowship Centres to help them locate the one closest to where they live. d) Listen to their comments and address their questions/concerns. e) Discuss the land (Qatar) and what they must know about Resident Permit (RP). f) Discuss any other matter that may be of benefit to new comers into Qatar or to the Church. 2.3.3 Follow-Up (for First Time Worshippers and New Converts) The tasks involved in this include: a) Assign each person to a member of the Welcome & Hospitality Department. i. The location of the residential areas will be considered in assigning people. b) The Follow Up- Role the member of the Welcome & Hospitality Team is to perform include: i. Establish personal contact to provide a more effective platform for influence ii. iii. Ensure that those assigned are part of a House Fellowship Centre. Regularly check on the spiritual welfare of those assigned to them and nurture them so that they remain in faith 8
iv. Regularly pray for their spiritual growth and development v. Organize visits to them after the necessary confirmation and arrangements have been made. 9
End of Welcome & Hospitality Department Operational Manual 10