More Than a Hello: Serving on the Welcome Team

Lauren leads our Welcome Team at Citygate Church. Read on to discover why she finds joy in serving and making others feel at home.

There is always someone to give you a warm welcome here at Citygate .

— Lauren Greasley

When I first considered joining the Welcome Team at Citygate Church, it wasn’t entirely my decision. My Life Group Leader encouraged me to step forward, but I hesitated. It wasn’t until the Holy Spirit gave me a gentle nudge—well, more like a firm shove—that I finally said yes. Little did I know that this simple act of obedience would change the way I viewed waiting, serving, and embracing community.

Waiting on God can sometimes feel like standing still, but I’ve come to understand that waiting is never passive—it’s an active, expectant faith. There’s a saying that goes, “What do waiters do best? Serve.” Being on the Welcome Team has given me a new perspective on waiting. Instead of dwelling on uncertainty, I chose to trust God in my waiting season by stepping forward in service. And in doing so, I found that there was less room for doubt and more space for joy.

Lauren (pictured far left) leads our Bournemouth Welcome Team.

One of my favorite moments while welcoming people to church is the simple yet powerful act of a hug. There’s something special about being recognised and embraced, about knowing that someone remembers you and is genuinely happy to see you. When a familiar face walks through the doors and comes straight to me for a hug, my heart overflows. Those moments remind me why I serve—to make others feel seen, valued, and at home.

The mission of the Welcome Team is simple: to ensure that every person who walks into Citygate feels special, loved, and valued. We go beyond just a friendly greeting—we strive to connect people, introduce them to the church family, and help them integrate into church life. I’ve personally experienced the power of this warm welcome. Coming from a tiny church, stepping into a new congregation felt overwhelming at first. But the genuine kindness I received was like a hook and bait—it reeled me in and made me want to stay.

What makes Citygate’s welcome experience unique is that our volunteers don’t just see a need for hospitality—we feel called to extend it with sincerity and joy. Our smiles, our conversations, and our open hearts radiate something deeper than friendliness; they reflect the love of Jesus.

For anyone new to church or hesitant to visit, my advice is simple: Give yourself time. It’s okay to feel out of place at first. But take small steps—meet new people, join a Life Group, and ask the questions that are on your heart. And if you ever feel lost, find a Welcome Team member. We’re here to help you navigate this journey and to remind you that you are not alone.

Hospitality in a church setting isn’t just about making people feel comfortable—it’s about creating an environment where they can encounter God and experience His love through community. If you’re considering joining the Welcome Team, my advice is: Do it! Especially if you’re shy, introverted, or hesitant. You might just discover that the courage to welcome others was inside you all along.

And for the rest of the congregation—remember, you don’t need to wear a teal t-shirt to extend a warm welcome. A smile, a kind word, or a friendly conversation can make all the difference in helping someone feel at home. Because at Citygate, welcome isn’t just a team—it’s a way of life.

Our brilliant Welcome Team in action.