aka “The Fortholder.”
These are the Protectors, Master Organizers, Hosts and Managers.
They know stuff:
- Potential hazards
- Daily schedules
- Equipment
- Supplies
- Emergency procedures
- Clean up policies
They know people:
- Volunteers
- Parents
- Children
- Newbies
- Staff
They know how to work the room:
- Connecting people
- Greeting parents
- Welcoming kids
- Reassuring first time guests
They are invaluable.
If you have a Fortholder for every environment you oversee, you’re living the good life. You have peace of mind. You have guest friendly rooms. You have volunteer training. You have rooms you can walk away from and environments you know are safe, loving, socially connected and well-run.
Each Fortholder should be in charge of one environment. They may be there for one service, one evening or one morning. They prep the room, ensure safekeeping, attend to the needs of people and work the schedule. They are organized, detailed and social. They know everyone by name.
They are NOT in charge of message or programming, creative communication, props, worship, curriculum, etc. They are environmentalists. They ensure safety, organization and offer a pleasant experience for all.
Every room should have one. They are your front line for the volunteer experience, the guest experience, the parent experience, people connections and emergency procedures. Do not miss their importance. Do NOT overload them. They are the room.
If you remove them, give them programming assignments, or sit them down with a small group, you remove all that they bring to the environment. They are overseers, specialists, heroes, and the face of your church.
They are introverts, extroverts, managers and leaders, grandmas, moms, dads, couples, singles, and students. They have been married and unmarried, educated and uneducated, short, tall, white, black brown and yellow. There’s been no specific profile other than their love for God, love for people and love for the church. They have a wide variety of gifts, but are noted for their faithfulness, steadfastness, calming influence, organizational skills and respect for people.
Ask God to bring them to you—as many as you need.
- Love on them.
- Equip and empower them.
- Give them everything they need.
They are your most important volunteers. They are the front line and the face of your ministry.
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