This document provides an introduction to hospitality ministry through the Welcome Center at Union Church of Manila. It discusses the importance of hospitality as a vital church ministry alongside preaching, teaching, and music. A good host is motivated by love for God and others, maintains a helpful and welcoming attitude, and behaves in a friendly, knowledgeable, and orderly manner. The document offers metaphors comparing hosts to salt, a city on a hill, and a lamp. It focuses hosts' concentration on guests, understanding their needs, and properly preparing oneself for the role. Tips are provided for engaging with newcomers in a sensitive way. Sample comments evaluate the hospitality of several Philippine churches.

1. HOSTING 101
(Introductory Briefing about
Hosting thru the WELCOME
CENTER)
Union Church Of Manila

2. SOME THOUGHTS ABOUT THE MINISTRY OF
HOSPITALITY
Ministry – any act of Christian service that helps people into a fellowship with
Jesus Christ.
4 Vital Church Ministries:
a. PREACHING
- Romans 10:14 -
How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And
how are they to hear without someone preaching?
b. TEACHING
- John 14:26, 16:13
But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your
remembrance all that I have said to you.
When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but
whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come .
- 2 Timothy 2:24-25
And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil,
Correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth,
c. MUSIC
- Colossians 3:16
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and
hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
d. USHERING/ HOSPITALITY
- 1 Corinthians 14:40
But all things should be done decently and in order.
- Hebrews 13:2, Romans 12:13
Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers
Always be eager to practice hospitality

3. WHAT CHARACTERIZE A
GOOD HOST?
1. MOTIVATION
- Love Him, and Bring Him glory
- Love others
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4. WHAT CHARACTERIZE A
GOOD HOST?
2. ATTITUDE
- We are the hosts, they are our
guests
- They may be searching, we may be
used by God
- We are the ‘face’ of the Body of
Christ
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5. WHAT CHARACTERIZE A
GOOD HOST?
3. BEHAVIOR (DECORUM AND
DEMEANOR)
- The best of what can be said about
UCM
- Friendly and Warm
- Helpful
- Knowledgeable
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6. SOME METAPHORS OF A
GOOD HOST
 We are the SALT of the earth …
- “Let our conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt.” – Cols. 4:6
- Salt can never do its work until it is brought into close contact with the
substance on which it is to make its influence.
 We are like “a CITY ON A HILL”
- Matthew 5:14
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.”
- Landmark, dependable, intermediary
 Like a LAMP
- Matthew 5:15/16
“Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all
in the house.
In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works
and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
- Warm, and welcoming atmosphere
- Dispels darkness
- Radiating the Love of God
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7. 3 AREAS OF
CONCENTRATION
Colossians 3:23-24 – “Whatever you do, work at it with
all your heart, as working for the Lord … It is the
Lord Christ you are serving”
CONCENTRATE ON THE PEOPLE
> names, background
> what brings them to UCM
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8. CONCENTRATE ON THEIR NEEDS
 Warm and inviting environment
 Someone to talk to .. provide answers to
questions
 Someone to connect
 Introduction to a group to be part of
 Information about the church
 Directions
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9. CONCENTRATE ON YOURSELF &
YOUR ROLE
 GROOMING
- Clean & refreshed
- Gum removed
- Hair groomed
- Clean shaven; trimmed
- Clothing pressed and clean
- Shoes shined
 ASSIGNMENT
- On time
- Don’t leave post, unless necessary
- Pay special attention to guests
 MINDSET
- Proud to be a host
- Optimistic about our church
- Pleasant conversationalist
- Pleasant and smiling face
- Nonjudgmental attitude
- Prayerful
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10. TIPS ON ENCOUNTERING
NEWCOMERS
- Greeting and Welcoming
- The ‘Checking-Out’
a. Those with regular attenders
b. Those by themselves
- Brief Church Intro
- Answering Queries
- Getting Involved
- Being sensitive to personal and cultural
differences
- Knowing the Culture
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11. SOME COMMENTS ON THE HOSPITALITY
OF SAMPLE PHILIPPINE CHRISTIAN
CHURCHES
 Cathedral of the King, Mandaluyong – by Pewpotato
16 November 2008, 9.00am
Did anyone welcome you personally?
Yes. A friendly usher greeted me warmly at the door and handed me
a 40-page (yes!) order of worship. As I walked down the aisle, I felt
the thickness of the booklet with my fingers and thought, "Uh-oh,
this service is going to be very long!"
What happened when you hung around after the service looking lost?
I did not hang around. The service took so long I just felt I needed some fresh air after all
that censing!
How would you describe the after-service coffee?
Didn't see any. But then again, if there was, I would not have had any because the service
started just minutes after I had finished breakfast and ended around lunch time.
How would you feel about making this church your regular (where 10 = ecstatic, 0 =
terminal)?
3 – I would if there were no other churches around the area, but there are. There are
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other churches within three square miles that I find more "satisfying."

12. SOME COMMENTS ON THE HOSPITALITY
OF SAMPLE PHILIPPINE CHRISTIAN
CHURCHES
 Victory Christian Fellowship, Ortigas, Quezon City - by Pewpotato,
Mothers Day, 11 May 2008, 5.00pm
Did anyone welcome you personally?
Yes, someone did. They have a good number of ushers
who welcome people and lead them to their seats.
What happened when you hung around after the service looking lost?
I did not hang out. Very few people did – the place isn't very conducive to that.
But the people seemed really friendly.
How would you describe the after-service coffee?
No coffee. Or maybe there was, I really don't know.
How would you feel about making this church your regular (where 10 =
ecstatic, 0 = terminal)?
5 – If I had no other church to join in the area, I would.
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13. SOME COMMENTS ON THE HOSPITALITY OF
SAMPLE PHILIPPINE CHRISTIAN CHURCHES
 Christ's Commission Fellowship, Ortigas, Mandaluyong – by
Pewpotato, 27 May 2007, 8.00am
Did anyone welcome you personally?
No one. As in no one! It's hard to be noticed in a
sea of people. Perhaps the ushers thought I was
a regular. I came and went having met no one. I
admit, though, when the worship leader asked
first time guests to stand, I remained seated. I
don't like the idea of cameras zooming in on me
and flashing my face on the two giant screens!
What happened when you hung around after the service looking lost?
Had I hung around I would have been trampled! The crowd pushed everyone along
toward the escalators.
How would you describe the after-service coffee?
I thought I smelled coffee brewing but never tasted any.
How would you feel about making this church your regular (where 10 = ecstatic, 0 =
terminal)?
5 – It was just too big a church for me. I might have thought differently had there been a
proper welcome.
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14. SOME COMMENTS ON THE HOSPITALITY OF
SAMPLE PHILIPPINE CHRISTIAN CHURCHES
 Church of the Risen Lord, University of the Philippines, Quezon City – by
Saint Hedrin, 19 November 2006, 10.00am
Did anyone welcome you personally?
I arrived very late, at the moment the peace was
being passed. But still an usher greeted me,
handed me the order of worship, and directed
me to a pew right under the loft.
What happened when you hung around after the service
looking lost?
I knew that my uncle would be at the service, and I looked all
over for him in that little sea of humanity, but in vain.
How would you describe the after-service coffee?
There was a buffet luncheon in the garden, but I couldn't stay for that. I had to get
myself over to Ikeda Hall, where another of my uncles was celebrating his birthday.
There, I had a non-alcoholic punch with my meal.
How would you feel about making this church your regular (where 10 =
ecstatic, 0 = terminal)?
7 – I'd make it my regular if I lived there and were enrolled in the University.
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15. SOME COMMENTS ON THE HOSPITALITY OF
SAMPLE PHILIPPINE CHRISTIAN CHURCHES
 Greenhills Christian Fellowship, Pasig City – by Pewpotato, 30 December
2007, 11.00am
Did anyone welcome you personally?
Yes, I was. The armed guard wished me good morning. Then an usher
shook my hand at the foot of the escalator. On top of the second flight, I was
greeted again by an attractive Chinese lady who gave me a full-color, glossy
worship guide. The male ushers wore the barong, the traditional Filipino
national costume, and the women ushers wore black pants and blazers. I
felt like I was attending an awards night.
What happened when you hung around after the service looking lost?
After the sermon Dr Pantoja personally welcomed the first time guests. Visitors were asked to stand (I
chose not to) and the congregation applauded. It was their way of making the guests feel welcome. The
guests were then led to a nicely decorated visitors centre for refreshments and question-and-answer.
How would you describe the after-service coffee?
The enticing aroma of coffee drifted from a social hall adjacent to the lobby, and so I followed my nose.
But that's all there was – coffee! There was a full-service cafeteria near the patio but my palate has not
yet adjusted to Filipino dishes – although I heard the food was good. I opted instead to visit the Burger
King at a nearby mall.
How would you feel about making this church your regular (where 10 = ecstatic, 0 = terminal)?
10 – If I were to live longer in Metro Manila, I would definitely make this my home church. There are many
opportunities of ministry for people there, plus of course the warm fellowship.
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16. SOME COMMENTS ON THE HOSPITALITY OF
SAMPLE PHILIPPINE CHRISTIAN CHURCHES
 Holy Trinity, Forbes Park, Makati City – by Saint Hedrin, 11 June 2006, 9.30am
Did anyone welcome you personally?
I was given the customary "Good morning" as I was
handed the service booklet and bulletin for the day. More
greetings came after the service, over lunch, and at the
mini-concert that followed
What happened when you hung around after the service
looking lost?
We were all herded into the garden to partake of the special
lunch that had been set out on the occasion of the church's
feast of title. Warden Thoburn spoke with me a bit and invited
me to stay both for lunch and the concert that was to follow.
How would you describe the after-service coffee?
There was much food, lots of rice and pasta, several different chicken dishes, meat
loaf, and more. For dessert there were cakes, chocolate, and lots of local sweets.
There was brewed coffee to drink, as well as apple juice, canned soda, and even
beer (both light and super dry).
How would you feel about making this church your regular (where 10 =
ecstatic, 0 = terminal)?
8 – I liked the atmosphere and the welcoming congregation, plus the possibility that
I may have Anglican roots buried in this parish.
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17. SOME COMMENTS ON THE HOSPITALITY OF
SAMPLE PHILIPPINE CHRISTIAN CHURCHES
 Union Church of Manila, Makati City – by Pewpotato, May 20, 2007, 8.45am
and 10.30am
Did anyone welcome you personally?
A gentleman shook my hand and said, "Kindly turn off
your cell phone, sir. Thank you!" After that, a lady
handed me a bulletin and another lady directed me to
the fourth row of the center section, saying, "It's the
best section in the sanctuary."
What happened when you hung around after the service looking lost?
I went down to the fellowship hall in the first basement (there are five basements!)
and took some coffee and a cookie. I finished both without anyone coming up to talk
to me! I left the building having met and known no one. And I thought Christianity
was about knowing a person, joining a family, and connecting.
How would you describe the after-service coffee?
Coffee was hot but bland! Cookie looked cheap. Tea and juice were also available,
but I didn't sample them.
How would you feel about making this church your regular (where 10 =
ecstatic, 0 = terminal)?
5 – It seemed a nice enough church in which to belong, but people could make use
of a little more friendliness.
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18. WE ARE GOD’S AMBASSADORS
OF KINDNESS
 Hosts shouldn’t expect too much from
people – accept people as they are.
 Hosts should be kind and ‘sensitive’ in
conversation
 Hosts are ‘people persons’.
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19. A HOST’S STANDARD OF
EXCELLENCE
“And now I will show the most excellent way ”- 1Cor. 12:31
… 1Cor. 13:4 onwards … LOVE IS:
1. PATIENT – accept people as they are, even
the ‘pas-aways’.
2. KIND – continue being kind when others are
difficult.
3. NOT BOASTFUL – instead bring focus to Jesus
4. NOT PROUD … not self-seeking and conceited
5. NOT RUDE – never lose your head .. remain poise
and calm. Remember – Even if you’re right
but if you’re rude, then you’re wrong.
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20. 6. NOT EASILY ANGERED – having peace and
joy that come from the Holy Spirit.
7. NOT DELIGHTED IN EVIL BUT REJOICES
IN TRUTH – stopping rumors, rejoicing in good
reports, and always maintaining Christian
optimism.
8. ALWAYS PROTECTS .. TRUSTS .. HOPES
.. PERSEVERES – being able to handle
frustration, irritations, make decisions
quickly, and work under pressure.
9. NEVER FAILS – having an understanding
heart.
10. LOVE OF GOD – radiates to loving people.
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21. EXHIBITING THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT
- To become a useful and effective representative of Jesus
Christ, a faithful host will desire to possess qualities that do not
come by law but by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
Galatians 5:22-23 – “But the fruit of the Spirit
is:
1. LOVE – the kind that is not a function of the
love of others
2. JOY – an attitude and outward
manifestation that does not depend
on circumstances
3. PEACE – calm and reassuring presence
4. PATIENCE – being hopeful and persevering in
all situations
5. KINDNESS – taking the role of a servant for
Christ
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22. 6. GOODNESS – being good and true in both
what he says and does
7. FAITHFULNESS – being on time, taking
initiative, planning ahead …
8. GENTLENESS – thoughtfulness, discretion,
pleasant language, constant courtesy
9. SELF-CONTROL - disciplined and professional
“There will never be enough rules and guidelines to cover
every situation that ushers may face. But hosts who
are filled by the Holy Spirit bear fruit that will guide
them in knowing what to do and say in a variety of
situations, to the glory of God.”
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23. REMEMBER THEN …
Colossians 3:23
“ Whatever you do, work heartily, as for
the Lord and not for men.”
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24. GOD BLESS US ALL ….
MEMBERS of the Welcome and NewComer
Center of the
UNION CHURCH OF MANILA
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