A simple guide for helping create space where neighbors can encounter Jesus, be welcomed at the table, and be formed together.
Start here: Serving on Sundays is one way we practice contagious hospitality. Whether you are greeting at the door, caring for kids, setting a table, leading worship, or running tech, the goal is the same: create a welcoming, peaceful, and prepared space where people can be present to Jesus and one another.
Hospitality is not just a task. It is the front door of our life together. The goal is to help every person feel seen, welcomed, and at peace from the moment they arrive.
Welcoming People
Hospitality team usually includes 2-3 people.
Be positioned at the front door, either just outside or just inside.
Smile, make eye contact, and greet people before they have to ask where to go.
Help new people know where kids, coffee, bathrooms, and gathering space are located.
Use warm language: "We're glad you're here," "There's coffee inside," "I can show you where to go."
Making Coffee
Prepare the coffee area before people arrive.
Make sure cups, lids, stirrers, cream, sugar, napkins, and trash are visible and easy to reach.
Use the large coffee maker according to the instructions provided by the coordinator.
Keep the coffee station tidy throughout the morning.
Coming soon: Add step-by-step instructions for the large coffee maker here.
Set Up
Set out the Redeemer A-frame sign in front of the house first thing.
Prepare the entry area so it feels clear, warm, and easy to navigate.
Set up coffee and hospitality items before guests begin arriving.
Check that the gathering room feels clean, calm, and ready.
Hospitality Setup Photo Add "before" and "after" setup photos here.
Tear Down
Clean and reset the coffee station.
Throw away trash and collect any leftover hospitality supplies.
Bring the Redeemer A-frame sign back inside.
Leave the space better than we found it.
Welcome & Vision
We are planting seeds for a lifetime of following Jesus.
Our Core Focus: To partner with parents in leading kids to know and love Jesus, while giving parents the peace of mind to fully engage in the service.
Uncompromising Safety
Physical and emotional safety is our baseline.
Relational Fun
Kids spell love T-I-M-E. We get down on their level and play.
Jesus-Centered
Every song, video, and craft points back to Jesus.
Team Expectations & Roles
Right People, Right Seats.
The Basics
Arrival: Please arrive 15 minutes before service begins to set up rooms. Arrival time is 9:45am, unless asked to arrive early. End time is noon.
Dress Code: Casual, modest, and comfortable. Be ready to sit on the floor and get a little messy with crafts.
Call-Outs: If you are sick or cannot serve, please notify the coordinator by Thursday evening.
The Roles
The Nurturer
Crawlers Room: Focuses on rocking, holding, and playing with babies and toddlers.
The Guide
Explorers Room: Facilitates the video lesson and guides the craft and discussion time.
Non-Negotiables: Safety & Security
If we fail here, the rest does not matter.
Background Checks: Every volunteer over the age of 18 must have a cleared background check on file.
Bathroom Policy: Prop the bathroom door open. Stand outside the door while the child goes. Never go inside alone with a child.
Visibility: If there is a window on the room door, it must remain uncovered at all times.
Check-In & Dismissal Process
Phase
Volunteer Action
Script / Focus
Check-In
1. Check in on iPad
2. Ask about allergies
3. Greet at eye level
4. Hand them a toy immediately
"Hi! Any allergies we need to know about today? Here is your security tag for pickup!"
"Look at these blocks! Can you help me build a tower?"
Pick-Up
1. Check out on iPad
2. Match the numbers
3. Hand out Parent Cue sheet
"Match! They loved the music today. Here's a sheet to talk about it at home."
Room Setup & Ratios
Slater's: 1000 15th Avenue South
Weber's: 1022 15th Avenue South
Crawlers & Cruisers
Ages: 6 months - 2 years
Ratio: 1 worker to 4 kids
Focus: Safe & Nurturing
The Explorers
Ages: 3 years - 8 years
Ratio: 1 worker to 8 kids
Focus: Energetic & Interactive
Crawlers & Cruisers Setup
Slater's Home: 2nd floor bedroom. Grab soft toys from the 1st floor.
Weber's Home: 1st floor bedroom. Grab soft toys from the 2nd floor.
Crawlers & Cruisers Setup Photos Add Slater's / Weber's before and after photos here.
Explorers Setup
Slater's Home: Garage area. Use moving blankets to cover equipment.
Set up table for video, lesson, and coloring.
Snacks and water will be in the kitchen to bring out.
iPad will be on, ready, and cued up for the video.
You can turn on the TV on the wall and show it via AirPlay to "GYM."
Weber's Home: 2nd floor open area. Pull toys from the bedroom closet.
Explorers Setup Photos Add garage / open area before and after photos here.
Lesson Plan Creation
Upload the video from @christskids6589 that matches the Sunday Gathering day to Google Gemini.
Ask: "Turn this video into a 10-12 minute Sunday School Lesson Plan for kids 3-7 years old and format it on a letter size page with an additional letter size page following that has a coloring page that corresponds to the lesson plan."
Copy the lesson plan and paste it into the weekly lesson document.
Print 1 lesson and 7-8 coloring pages for Redeemer Kids Support Staff.
Sunday Morning Playbook
The Rhythm for "The Explorers" Room.
Time
Focus
Instructions
First 15 mins
Free Play
Toys are in the grey fabric drawers. Let kids get their energy out while everyone arrives.
Next 15 mins
Video Time
Play the lesson video from @christskids6589 on YouTube.
Next 20 mins
Small Group
Execute the lesson plan and have children engage with the coloring page.
Next 10 mins
Snack Time
Snacks and waters are to be eaten at the table.
Final 10 mins
Clean Up & Pick Up
Kids help tidy up the space while waiting for parents with matching tags.
Note: Crawlers & Cruisers does not follow a strict timeline. The focus is open play, snacks, and a 2-minute interactive storybook reading.
Emergency Procedures & Health Guidelines
Health & Sickness
The 24-Hour Rule: Kids must be free of fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or unexplained rashes for 24 hours, unmedicated, before entering RF Kids.
Allergies: We are a peanut-free environment. No snacks are given without checking the child's name in the check-in software for allergies. When in doubt, leave it out.
Diapers: Volunteers do not change diapers. Text the parent to come to the room if a change is needed.
Emergencies
Crying / Separation Anxiety: Try to engage the child with a toy or activity for 10 minutes. If they remain inconsolable, text the parent.
Minor Injury: Apply a band-aid or ice pack from the First Aid Kit. Inform the parent at pick-up.
Evacuation: Grab the check-in roster. Calmly lead the children out the nearest safe exit to the designated meeting spot. Immediately count the kids to match the roster.
Tables help turn a gathering into a family. The goal is not just food or furniture. The goal is to create ordinary space where people can slow down, talk, pray, and be known.
Before People Arrive
Set tables and chairs in a way that feels open, easy to join, and not crowded.
Make sure food, drinks, napkins, plates, and trash are visible and easy to access.
Look for new people or people standing alone and help them connect.
During the Gathering
Pay attention to people who seem unsure of where to go.
Help parents, new guests, and late arrivals find what they need.
Model the pace of love: warm, unhurried, attentive, and present.
After the Gathering
Reset tables and chairs.
Clear trash and leftover food.
Make note of any supplies that need to be restocked.
Worship leadership is not performance. It is hospitality through song and prayer. We lead in a way that helps people participate, listen, and turn their attention to Jesus.
Before the Gathering
Arrive early enough to set up, tune, check sound, and pray before people arrive.
Coordinate with Tech on microphones, instruments, tracks, and lyrics if needed.
Keep transitions simple, warm, and clear.
During Worship
Lead with confidence and humility.
Invite participation without pressure.
Keep the focus on Jesus and the shared life of the room.
After Worship
Help tear down and store worship equipment.
Check with Tech before unplugging or moving anything.
Leave the space clean and ready for the next use.
Tech serves the room by helping people hear, see, and participate without distraction. The win is not perfection. The win is clarity, calm, and readiness.
Before the Gathering
Arrive early enough to set up and test all equipment.
Check audio, slides, video, batteries, Wi-Fi, and power.
Confirm the service flow with worship and teaching leaders.
Have a backup plan for slides, lyrics, or video if something fails.
During the Gathering
Stay attentive to the flow of the room.
Make quiet adjustments as needed.
Communicate calmly if something goes wrong.
After the Gathering
Power down and store equipment carefully.
Wrap cables neatly.
Report any missing, broken, or low-battery items.
Thank you for serving
Every small act of preparation helps make room for someone to encounter Jesus. We serve so that neighbors can be welcomed, children can be cared for, the Word can be heard, and the table can be extended.
