Part 2
“What would you been doing, if you were not a pastor?”
If someone asked me this question, my answer will be…
“I want to work for Apple.”
Don’t get me wrong I love being a pastor.
The reason, however, I would like to work for apple is because both rolls have similar goals: “Enriching Lives”
Apple’s invitation to Join the Team
This is a statement you will see when you go to Apple’s webpage to apply for a Job.
Apple Store employees are unique individuals whose varied talents and experiences bring value to the way they connect people with Apple. So whether you’re analytical or creative, tech savvy or a people person, the Apple Store provides an ideal opportunity to challenge yourself. – Jobs at Apple page
Doesn’t this statement sound familiar to your? The language they use is similar to what we normally hear from church.
- “Unique individuals whose varied talents and experiences bring value”
– We are all an unique creation, with various gifts to serve the body
- “to the way they connect people with Apple.”
– ‘Pontifex’ is a Greek word for priest, which means ‘bridge builders.’ 1 Peter 2:9 says that we are chosen priest, who have a mission to become bridges between the world with Christ.
- “whether you’re analytical or creative, tech savvy or a people person…”
– the church is opened to everyone with various backgrounds and experiences.
Enough of my fantasy to work with Apple…
3 Layers of Service in an Apple Store
In the Apple Store, before Easy pay, there were 3 layers of service. (I will talk about the current model on the next post.)
- First Layer – Apple Concierge
These are the ones who will approach the customer entering the store. They will greet them, and ask the purpose of their visit. If the customer’s visit is related with an interest of purchasing an Apple product, they will connect them with a ‘Specialist.’
On the other hand, if the purpose of visit is related to A/S of their product, the concierge will walk them to the genius bar, and check their reservation or find an available spot for the customer.
After the customer finds the right place, the Concierge will go back and see if anyone else needs his or her assistance.
- Second Layer- Apple Specialist: Introducing and teaching the product
The Specialist will show the customers, the product they are looking for. They will take time to explain the product. The Specialist will also introduce the customers to a related Apple product-training course. These courses, normally led by the Specialist (may be the genius) will be offered in groups, but one-on-one individual training is also available, with a reasonable price.
Third Layer – Genius Bar
This is where you will come to fix any problems related to your Apple product. The geniuses will find your problem, and present options to fix it.
At this point, some of you might wonder what am I trying to say.
Let’s apply this to the church.
Applying this Model to the Church
Like I said, I’ve been visiting many churches during the past year, while I was enjoying my study leave.
I will apply this model, focusing on how the church welcomes their visitors.
- Concierges = Greeters & Welcomers
“10 second Rule”
The reason why Apple used to have the concierge system is to make sure everyone is greeted within 10 seconds they step into the store.
Every church I visited had different structures to greet their visitors. But I have learned it was better the have multiple layers of greeters, than less, as people made their way into the sanctuary.
There were churches that had at least 5-7 layers of greeters, along the path from the parking lot to the seats of the sanctuary, while some churches only had one greeter who passed out bulletins, at the door.
One of the churches had welcomers who walked with their visitors. These were people who walked back and forth of the path from the parking lot to the sanctuary, spotting visitors and offering help, when the visitors faced difficulty navigating the church. They were easily spotted, or even approach you (which I don’t know how they do it… do I have a visitor sign on my forehead?) to show directions, and even walk with you to yoru final destination. A lot of these churches had their welcomers wear a t-shirt that says: ‘Welcome’ or ‘How can I serve.’ And like Apple concierges they will make sure their visitors found what they came for.
- Specialists = Connection points
These were the people who offered help to introduce the visitors to their church, and ministries in the church. Normally, these churches will have a welcome center, where they were greeted after the service. Here they will learn about the church, and have an opportunity to connect with in ministry in a personal setting. Also, churches will have connection points where they will connect people to small groups, support groups, or any kind of ministry opportunities. These people are the ones dedicated to explain what is going on in the church.
- Genius=Prayer ministry
There will be people coming to the church with problems. These people will be offered prayers, and also be connected to mercy ministries to be supported in their problems.
I am not saying that this is the best way to greet visitors, at your church. However, it was interesting to see some of the structures used in the Apple store, applied to these churches, who strive in welcoming their visitors, as oppose to the ones who fail in the task. If we really believe that our church experience will enrich the lives of the people, wouldn’t we have to make sure they are connected to it?
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