Leading By Creating An Atmosphere

LEADING BY CREATING AN ATMOSPHERE

There is something powerful about a great atmosphere! Just think about a restaurant, a hotel, a store or even an amusement park you enjoy going to. There are a variety of things you experience at that place (how you’re treated, the warm reception of the staff, the cleanliness, etc.) that contribute to your overall positive experience and keeps you coming back.

We understand that a great atmosphere does not exist by happenstance, it must be created. As leaders we must be intentional about making guest and members feel welcomed and loved at Harvest Life. People come to church with all kinds of situations, issues and distractions on their mind but when we take the lead in showing the love of Jesus and are driven by care, God can work through us to create an atmosphere at Harvest Life were lives can be transformed through the power of Jesus Christ!

1. CREATE AN ATMOSPHERE THROUGH HOSPITALITY

Whether at a worship service, fellowship, ministry meeting, choir rehearsal or hanging out in the hallways, our mission remains the same; to help create an atmosphere of hospitality where people feel truly welcomed, loved and cared for.

When you see people in the hallways, in the sanctuary or on your row, say “Hello”, “Good Morning” or “It’s good to see you”. Never say things like “Glad you finally made it back” or “It’s been a while since we’ve seen you”. The goal is to ensure they feel loved and welcomed.
If someone looks lost in the hallway, like they’re unsure of where to go, ask if there is anything you can assist them with.
When the Ushers are passing out First-Time Guest pamphlets, if there is a first-time guest in your row, help the Ushers identify them.

The way you treat guest and members can be the determining factor whether they come back to church or not. So let’s show the love of Jesus!

2. CREATE AN ATMOSPHERE IN THE WORSHIP SERVICES

Worship is a time to connect with God, express our love and admiration for Him and receive a life-changing Word that has the power to bring people from sin to salvation, from salvation to stability, from stability to success, and from success to significance. It is important that leaders set an atmosphere in the worship service through our praise, worship and hospitality so that ministry can happen.

Opening Prayer: When we open up in prayer, it helps lead the congregation away from distractions and into a posture of worship and invites the presence of God in. As the Prayer Lead prays, show honor for God by standing to your feet. Join in the prayer and believe God to have His way in our service.

Sunday School Live with Pastor Deborah: Sunday School is the “best school and town” and as leaders we should show that we mean this by being on time for class, studying the lesson and having our homework completed. Also, we should engage in the lesson and activities so that we can set an atmosphere conducive for people to learn and grow.

Praise and Worship: As leaders we are on the frontline of ministry. Just like Jehoshaphat put the praisers in the front to create an atmosphere that ushered in victory, God is counting on us to do the same in our worship services. (2 Chronicles 20:21-23). When we praise God it ushers in His presence and also leads others to do the same. When the songs are going forth, stand on your feet, clap your hands, lift your hands, sing the words (the lyrics are on the screens) and take the lead in lifting up the name of Jesus! The congregation will follow your lead.

Ministry of Giving: We worship the Lord through giving our tithes (10% of your income), offering and towards our New Worship Center.

If you’re giving on your on your phone or are a recurring giver, make sure you lift your phone up during the offering declaration to help create an atmosphere of worship by showing you are giving.
When Bishop Dukes and Pastor Deborah speak about the New Worship Center or upcoming ministry events before the offering, show your excitement about what God is doing.

Harvest Life News: This is an opportunity for us to view and take note of the information and upcoming events so that we can participate, lead effectively and show the Harvest Life News is an important component of the worship service.

The Sunday Morning Message: We should be intentional in setting an atmosphere by being engaged in the message. At times, you can respond to the message by saying “Amen”, standing on your feet, clapping, praising or lifting your hands.

Altar Call: Our desire is to see everyone saved and have a relationship with Jesus Christ. As the invitation is made during altar call, stay in a spirit of worship and pray along with our Senior Pastors for souls to be saved and praise God for those who get saved or rededicate their lives to Christ.

Benediction: Benediction is the pronouncement of wellness over our lives at the end of service. We ask that everyone stay in the sanctuary while the benediction is going forth unless you have a specific ministry assignment that requires early release. This will show respect and honor for God’s house and minimize distractions so that people can focus on the prayer and blessing.

3. CREATE AN ATMOSPHERE BY KEEPING GOD’S HOUSE CLEAN

As leaders, we help create a positive experience for guest and members by helping to keep God’s house clean. An unclean facility can distract people from focusing on the ministry and having a positive worship experience.

In conclusion, leaders are responsible for creating an atmosphere that promotes a positive worship experience for all.