Duties and Responsibilities

The hospitician ministry is so vital to the Body of Christ, for a hospitician is usually the first person one will encounter as they enter the sanctu- ary. A good Hospitician board can set an atmosphere of joy, peace and encouragement while maintaining order and a holy reverence for our Lord. They have the ability to change a persons mood for the better or for the worse. Our goal at Bible Teachers International is for all who enter our sanctuary to experience the love and grace of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

I. STOCKING WORKBASKETS

Workbaskets should be stocked a day before or one hour prior to the start of all sched- uled services, conferences, concerts, funerals, etc. No duties are to be performed in the sanctuary while prayer is being conducted. No exceptions!

1. Each workbasket should contain lap cloths, tissues, bibles, fans and contri- bution envelopes. All wor k baskets should be sufficiently stocked to avoid having to look for a needed item.

2. Upon completion of service all lap cloths, fans, bibles, and reserved seat signs should be collected and returned to their proper place. Workbaskets should either be left at the various work posts or put in the main hosptician cabinet.

3. A First Aid Kit should be kept in the hospiticians cabinet at all times.

II. CLEANING THE LOBBY

The lobby and/or foyer should be cleaned a day before or one hour prior to the start of all scheduled services, conferences, concerts, funerals, etc. Cleaning guidelines are as follows:

1. Gather cleaning supplies and proceed to the lobby/foyer.

2. Put on gloves (optional)

3. Shake and sweep all rugs and/or floor mats and remove them from the lobby/foyer.

4. Clean all mirrors, glass tables, picture frames and doors.

5. Straighten and wipe down all flower arrangements and accent items.

6. Remove all trash receptacles.

7. Remove all items that do not belong in the lobby/foyer.

8. Thoroughly sweep and mop the floor.

9. Put new bags in all trash receptacles.

10. Once the floor is dry replace all rugs, floor mats and trash receptacles.

III. CLEANING THE RESTROOMS

All restrooms must be cleaned a day before or one hour prior to the start of all sched- uled services, conferences, concerts, funerals, etc. Cleaning guidelines are as follows:

1. Put on gloves (mandatory) and then remove cleaning supplies from the cabinet.

2. Shake and sweep all rugs and remove them from the restroom.

3. Fill all toilet tissue holders, paper towel holders and soap dispensers.

4. Clean out all cabinets and throw out any empty bottles, jars, paper, etc.

5. Thoroughly sweep the floor.

6. Remove all trash receptacles from the restroom.

7. Clean all toilets (inside, the back of the tank and the base).

8. Clean all sinks.

9. Straighten and wipe down all flowers and accent items.

10. Clean all mirrors and glass counter tops/ tables.

11. Wipe down all cabinets.

12. Thoroughly mop the floor.

13. Replace all used trash bags with new ones.

14. Spray the bathroom with air freshener.

15. Once the floor is dry replace all rugs and trash receptacles.

Note: a. All restroom rugs should be taken home by a hospitician and washed on a monthly basis.

b. Suggested cleaning products: Fantastic, Clorox clean-up Cleaner w/Bleach, Pine Sol, Comet, Windex and air freshener. c. Make certain to use the correct cleaning products on surfaces such as wood, vinly, ceramic, leather, etc.

IV. DOOR GREETERS

It is very important that those hospiticians working the door be mindful of their dispo- sition at all times. For you will most likely be the first person that one will encounter when they enter the sanctuary. The power of a first impression is enormous and a loving welcome is essential to the service. You can help set a positive atmosphere and bring joy and encouragement to a person’s heart by the spirit in which you greet them. We do not want the people distracted from hearing the Word of God because they are offended with the hospiticians. We must keep in mind that we are there to serve others, not ourselves. If you are going through trials and/or difficult situations, this is not the time or place for you to display a bad attitude or negative emotions. You must rise above how you feel and work ministry with a righteous character even when your situations or circumstances are not favorable.

A. All hospiticians must be at the sanctuary one hour prior to the start of service and at their post ready to work five (5) minutes before the service is scheduled to start.

B. The hospiticians are responsible to seat all members of the congregation including visitors. Although it is generally the responsibility of the MIAs to seat leadership, the hospiticians can seat them as well, especially when an MIA is not available.

D. When a person enters the sanctuary they should be pleasantly greeted by a hospitician who should then proceed as follows:

1.Make eye contact with the person, smile and say something like “Good morning sir or mam, how are you today?” Do not be shy or timid but address them with a clear and confident voice. The hos- piticians should also be mindful not to invade a person’s personal space. When greeting someone stand at least two

(2) feet away from them. We should not be so close to an individual to where they began to feel smothered or uncomfortable. Male hospiticians should not make the first move to hug females unless she makes the jester to do so. If she does hug you then try not to make contact with her private parts. Stick to a hand shake as much as possible. Likewise, the same goes for the female hospiticians when greeting men.

Note: When seating Leaders: Do not take a leaders bible, briefcase, purse, etc., without first saying something like, “may I take those for you,” unless they hand them to you before you ask.

2. Be pleasant, when greeting, but avoid getting into long conversations. If someone needs to speak with you for a moment then move to the side so that the doorway to the sanctuary is not blocked. If they need to have an extended conversation with you, then politely explain to them that you are on duty and ask if the two of you can meet after the service. If it is absolutely necessary that they meet with you at that moment, then let your president or the hospitician in charge know the situation and ask if someone else can cover your post.

3. Proceed to take them to their seat and be mindful to walk in front of them. Walk with head and shoulders up. Walk at a moderate pace—not too fast or too slow. Facial expression and body language is important. There should be a pleasant look on your face as you escort them to a seat. Every effort is to be made to seat early persons as far in front as possible. 4. Once you are at the seat, motion for them to be seated and make certain to smile as you walk off.

5.When seating Leaders: Once at the seat, let them sit before you give them back their personal belongings. If they are seated at a table, then place their bible, glasses and study aides on the table and their handbag and/or briefcase on the floor next to their chair. Make certain to stand at a reasonable distance from the chair so that the leader can be seated without having to go around you.

6. Once the person is seated, the hosptician should return immediately to his or her post to be on hand to assist others.

E. It is the responsibility of the hospiticians to reserve special seating when needed.

V. MAINTAINING ORDER

It is the responsibility of the hospiticians to maintain order throughout the entire service while, at the same time, addressing any needs the congregation may have. Distractions such as excessive walking, talking and crying babies should be addressed in a polite and pleasant manner. The hospiticians must work as a unified group to ensure that the people are not robbed of what God desires to do in their hearts because of distractions and unnecessary interruptions.

A. During Praise and Worship: Some people take praise and worship very serious and do not appreciate unnecessary distractions or interruptions. Many enter the service troubled, depressed or burdened and look forward to the strength and encouragement one receives through praise and worship. The purpose of the following guidelines, which are to be strictly enforced by the hospiticians, is to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to offer uninterrupted praise to our God.

1.No cell phone use, gum chewing, eating or drinking in the sanctuary.

2. Politely address excessive walking and talking.

3. Politely address all playing and foolish giggling and laughing.

4. All hospiticians must be mindful of those who praise God vigorously and have a tendency to hit others, run through the sanctuary or even faint.

Hospiticians must respond quickly and safely to situations of this nature so that the individual and/or others are not hurt. To follow are guidelines that should be observed when dealing with these situations.

a.If someone takes off running, hopefully their eyes are open, through the congregation, the hospiticians should immediately respond by moving people and/or objects out of their path. Try, while being mindful of your mutual safety, to calm them down if you see that they have lost total control and is not aware of what they are doing.

b.If someone starts jumping around, 2 or 3 hospiticians should immediately respond by making a human chain around them.

c. If someone is hurt by a fall, running into an object or from someone hitting or falling on them, the hospiticians should immediately see if the person is alright. Although, we cannot give them any form of medication, we can offer items from a first aid kit such as a band-aid.

d. Hospiticians must be mindful of those who need assistance in calming their spirit. Sometimes the presence of the Lord is so powerful and people respond by yelling, screaming or shaking violently. We must be skilled in teaching them how to respond to Him without causing possible harm to themselves and others. When offering assistance in this area you may be lead to do one or more of the following

(i) politely tell them to calm their spirit and allow the Holy Spirit to minister to them or

(ii) encourage them to speak to the Father or to just listen for what He is saying to their heart or

(iii) Fan and/or pray silently for them.

Note: Having practical instructions (guidelines) on how to deal with a situation is good and needed; however, we must not depend solely on them and forsake the leading and wisdom of the Holy Spirit.

B. During the Message:

1. Hospiticians are to discourage the use of cell phones, gum chewing, eating and drinking in the sanctuary. If someone is chewing gum, politely remind them that it is not allowed and to refrain from doing so. If someone is eating in the sanctuary, polite- ly ask them to eat in the designated eating area.

2. Discourage and address excessive walking and talking.

3. Address all playing and foolish giggling and laughter.

4 If a child starts to cry or throw a temper tantrum then politely ask the adult(s) that the child is with to please take the child into the nursery, lobby or lounge until he or she calms down. A hospitician should never walk up to a parent and take the child from them even if the parent(s) asks you to. Give them the opportunity to deal with the situation. Kindly explain that we are taping and their voice will be picked up on the tape. Visitors should be escorted to the nursery, lobby or lounge in case they do not know where it is. It is also a good idea to ask the parent of the child if they need your assistance.

5.If someone gets angry because you ask them to remove their child from the sanctuary, try in good faith to make peace by explaining to them, once again, in a spirit of meekness, that we are taping and that the noise is a distraction even to others around them. Explain to them that it is not your intent to shame them, but that you are simply doing your job. If they are still not satisfied and wants to leave, then there is nothing you can do. Kindly thank them for coming and return to your post.

6. A hospitician should never hit, spank or verbally abuse a child. If a child is being unruly or disrespectful, simply go to their parent(s), explain the situation and let them to deal with the matter. If a parent asks you to physically discipline their child, kindly refuse and explain to them that it is our policy not to do so.

7. A hospitician should never give a child medicine of any kind, even if the parent asks you to do so. The child could have an allergic reaction and hold the ministry and you responsible. Simply explain to the parent(s) that due to legal reasons we are una- ble to administer medicine to anyone.

C. During the Altar Call:

1. During the altar call the hospiticians must be mindful to maintain order as well as attend to the needs of those seeking deliverance, salvation or healing.

2. Excessive walking and talking should be addressed. Kindly ask the congregation to respect the presence of the Holy Spirit by refraining from unnecessary walking and talking.

3. Above all, the hospticians must be an example of what they are trying to instill in the people. The hospiticians should not be engaged in idle conversations as they, too, are in plain view of the congregation. We must teach the congregation to respect the presence and work of the Holy Spirit by respecting it ourselves.

D. During the Offering:

It is usually during the offering when distractions such as excessive talking and walking are at a high. The offering is part of the service and should be taken seriously. The hospiticians must be quick to respond and discourage such distractions in a spirit of love.

1.There should be hospiticians posted throughout the entire congregation and each hospitician is responsible for maintaining order in their section. Do not wait for the leader or the person ministering the offering to address the distractions in the congre- gation. This is the responsibility of the hospiticians.

2.Politely, but sternly, ask the people in your area to refrain from talking and walking during the offering.

3.It is also a good idea to flash hand-held signs during the offering that asks them to refrain from talking and unnecessary walking.

E. During the Announcements:

It is very rude to be talking, laughing or not paying attention when someone is speaking to you. The announcements are important; for they inform us of upcoming events, scheduled meetings and the status of those who may be sick and in need of help. Hospiticians should encourage the congregation to give their full attention to the announc- er by asking the congregation to refrain from talking and unnecessary walking.

VI. ATTENDING THE ALTAR

The Hospiticians responsibility at the altar is to assist those who are seeking salvation, deliverance and healing. This is a major ar ea of dependability. One cannot become preoccupied with anything else, but must pay close attention to the move- ment of the Holy Spirit. All Hospiticians must operate in the reverential fear of the Lord, and be mindful that praying in the Spirit is essential. To follow are the guide- lines that should be observed while working the altar.

A. At the start of the altar call, three (3) hospiticians should immediately take their place at the altar and the rest throughout the congregation. Depending upon the size of the congregation, or the amount of activity at the altar, more than three hospiticians may be needed to work the altar.

B. All hospiticians should have tissues and lap cloths (no less than 3) to be dispensed as needed.

C. Although it is the responsibility of the MIAs to anoint the people, one (1) hospitician assigned to work the altar should have oil in case the MIAs should deplete theirs.

D. Whether standing in one spot or moving throughout the congregation, the hospiticians must be mindful to stand at a reasonable distance away from the minister so that his or her movement is not obstructed.

E. All hospiticians should be able to minister to and pray for individuals who come to the altar. However, this should be done only when instructed to do so by the leader or leaders who are officiating the service.

F. It is important that all hospiticians conduct themselves as matured sons of God. We must work ministry reverently, soberly and display the utmost respect for the work of the Holy Spirit and for people in general. With this said, please pay special attention and take to heart the following:

 When the Holy Spirit is using a minister to pray for, minister to or to confront an individual, there is no way of knowing how a person may respond. Sometimes their responses to prayer or confrontation may be funny, offensive or out right rude. Nevertheless, there is to be absolutely no laughing, jesting, joking, nasty looks or rude comments made about anyone during an altar call. As sons of God, we must display self-control. We should never find the negative dispositions, mindsets or captivities of others funny, but must resist the temptation to laugh at, sneer at, or retaliate against the ignorant or the offensive.

G.Should someone become unruly and/or extremely irate and begins to act out of character and it becomes necessary to remove them from the service, then the deacons on hand will intervene and work with the Holy Spirit to bring order and control back to the service. We must not panic and allow fear to cause us to respond to adversity in a negative manner. Trust in the ability of the Holy Spirit to deal with everything in His presence and keep your heart pure so that if needed, you will be a vessel through whom He can flow.

H.If someone comes for prayer who has an offensive odor, or who is inappropriately dressed, it should not show on our faces. We are to entreat them with love and be at- tentive to their needs.

Note: All hospiticians must bathe, brush their teeth, use a mouthwash and deodor- ant prior to service, and keep breath mints on hand so that your breath is not offensive to those around you.

VII. ADDRESSING THOSE WHO ARE IMPROPERLY DRESSED

Our purpose is not to intimidate or to make anyone feel bad. It should be our desire that people come to know and respect God’s heart and mind concerning their apparel. Never assume that you know the reason for another’s actions. We must consider that some are wearing what they have and that there are those who believe in “come as you are,” and do just that. We must also consider that a person may have gained weight and does not have the money to purchase more clothing. However, as watchers in the household of faith we must pay close attention to and be discerners of those who enter. Therefore, if you find it necessary to offer a covering to someone then make certain to do so according to the following guidelines.

1. Your Approach:

a. Always approach an individual in a spirit of meekness, which could possibly make them feel free to speak with you concerning the issue. If your approach is proud and intimidating this will most certainly put the person on the defensive. You do not want anyone to feel as if you are attacking them or that you are better than them. People enter the church with all sorts of negative mindsets and most often look for a reason to become offended with the church. Let us not give them one. b. Speak politely and have a pleasant facial expression. Season your words with grace and say something like, “I notice that when you bend over your thighs or undergarments are exposed, so you may want to drape this over you?” Or, “I noticed that your blouse is low cut and your cleavage is being picked up on the camera, would you like to drape this across your chest?” The use of the words may and would leaves room for the person to accept or refuse. It says that you are merely making a suggestion, but the choice is theirs. You disarm them by not being forceful or rude.

2. If a Lap cloth or covering is refused:

a. Do not insist that they take it or argue with them. Let it go. It is more important that they remain and hear the Word rather than leave with an offense in their heart. Trust the Word of God to make an impression in their heart.

b. Do not walk away angry nor go to another hospitician or another member and talk about the person. Most often the person is watching you and will pick up on this. We must be blameless in all things.

3. If the person you addressed become angry and insist on making a scene:

a.Politely ask them to accompany you to the lobby or the office where you can further discuss the matter. However, ask another hospitician, someone spiritual, to accompany you.

b. Explain to them that it is not your intent to shame them and that you really have their best interest at heart. If they are still not satisfied, then ask them if they would like to speak with one of the ministers. If yes, then call for a minister. If they do not wish to speak with a minister and wants to leave the service then there is nothing you can do. Kindly thank them for coming and return to your post.

4.If the hospiticians notice that a BTI Member is consistently dressed inappropriately, then it may be a good idea to ask a leader to speak with the individual. Sometimes, it is wisdom to make inquiries because there may be others in the congre- gation who know the individual’s situation or mindset. Seek the Holy Spirit’s help because He may lead you to befriend the person first, enabling you to discern their spiritual location or what is motivating their actions. He may even lead you to share your experience of how God delivered you from the same mindset.

5.Never do the following:

a.Never place a lap cloth on anyone without their permission. This is intrusive and could be offensive to the person.

b. Never walk up to someone and pin or sew their blouse, skirt, pants, etc., without their permission.

c. Never send a male hospitician to tell a female that her cleavage, buttocks or thighs are exposed. Send a female.

d. Never send a female hospitician to tell a male that his zipper is down or that his private part needs to be readjusted. Send a male

e. Never address a person in the following manner: “Your skirt is just way too short. Here, you need a lap cloth.” Or, “Now I know you did not come to church dressed like that. Don’t you have any shame.” Your observation may be correct, but this is not the way to address it. The above ex- pressions have “you are judging me” and “you think that you’re better than me,” all over it.

VIII. RECEIVING THE OFFERING

1. At the start of an offering the hospiticians should immediately take their assigned positions, which should be determined prior to the start of service, throughout the congregation with contribution envelopes in their hand. If the contribution envelopes are kept in the back of the chairs or pews then the hospiticians would still take their assigned positions throughout the congregation and be on hand to meet any needs the congregation may have. For instance, someone may need a pen or may need help filling out the contribution envelope.

2. The hospiticians should also be available to answer questions such as:

 Who do I make my check out to?

 Can I make a donation through my credit or debit card?

 I need change, how do I get it?

 Do you accept foreign currency?

 Is my contribution tax deductible?

All hospiticians should know the answer to such questions. Be polite and courteous. If you are unsure of something you’re asked and need further information, then explain to the person that you will get the answer to their question immediately. Never walk away without informing them of what you’re going to do and be mindful to not allow yourself to become distracted and forget to get back to the person.

3.if the offering is being collected by baskets, row to row, then wait for the officiator of the offering to tell you when to start passing them. If the congregation will be bringing their offering to the offering table, then it is the responsibility of the hospiti- cians to direct the order in which the congregation is to bring their offering.

4. Once the offering is collected and prayed over, it is to be given to the deacons for counting.

5. Hospiticians must also be available to assist the deacons in counting the offering should there not be enough deacons on hand to do so. Here are additional guidelines:

 Senior pastor approval must be given for those hospiticians who will assist in this manner.

 They must be at least twenty-five years old or older.

 Cannot be a relative of anyone else who may be counting the offering.

 Must be mindful to never discuss with anyone the amount of contributions given to the ministry.

IX. COMMUNION

Communion is usually celebrated on each 1st Sunday. The president is directly in charge of ensuring that the emblems are purchased in a timely manner. The attire for serving communion will be decided by the president. Communion is a very important time in the service and should be carried out with reverence and respect. After all, we take communion in remembrance of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 11:24-26

24 And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.

25 After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.

26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come.

When we partake of communion we proclaim (announce officially and publicly; declare) our Lord’s death till He comes. Communion also:

 Reminds us of what Christ did for us. He took on flesh, lived a sinless life, suffered, died and rose from the dead that we might be saved.

 Reminds us of our commitment to God and the Covenant He made with humanity to totally remove sin from our lives and the cleansing of the conscience by faith in Christ

 Keeps us examining our heart and spiritual disposition (1 Corinthians 12:26- 30)

 Reminds us that through Christ we have been made whole and have been given all things that pertain to life and Godliness.

1. The sacraments used are:

a.Grape juice and/or wine

b. Matzos/ Saltine Crackers The hospiticians are to find out a day in advance at what point in the service will communion be served. However, in order to be prepared should the flow of the service change, communion should be prepared and set aside 30 minutes prior to the start of service.

2. Communion Preparation:

1. Gloves must be worn by those who are preparing the communion.

2. Set out the trays and cups that will hold the wine and/or juice.

3. Set out the trays that will hold the bread.

4. Break the bread and place on the trays and then cover.

Note: Do not cut the bread because Jesus’ body was broken for us. Let us stay faithful to the symbolism of a broken body. 5. Fill the cups with the wine and/or juice and then cover.

6. Place the sacraments in a safe and dry place until they are served.

7. Pre-packaged juice and crackers are also available for purchase. Hospiticians would just have to ensure that they are properly stored and refrigerated before use.

8. Funds will be provided by the ministry for the purchase of communion sacraments.

3. Serving the Communion:

1. The hospiticians are to uncover the sacraments and then carefully proceed to the front of the sanctuary and take their assigned positions, which should be determined, by the president or vice-president, one hour prior to the start of service.

2. The hospiticians are to make known to the leader or congregation which trays hold the wine and which hold the juice. If the pastorate, leadership council or Portraits of the Word will be serving the communion, then they are to get in place and allow the hospiticians to give them the sacraments.

3. Once the pastor/ leader has addressed the congregation concerning communion, the hospiticians are to direct the congregation in the order they are to come and get their sacraments.

4. Upon completion of communion the hospiticians should collect all cups, serving trays and any unused sacraments and proceed to the kitchen.

Note: The president and the vice-president should know how to minister the pur- pose of communion to the congregation.

4. Clean-up:

1.Throw out all unused bread and wine or juice. Unused sacraments must be discarded due to their exposure to the air and being breathed upon by those who served them. Therefore, it is most important that we not be wasteful by preparing only that which is needed.

2. Clean all trays and wine cups and return to their proper place.

X. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF VISITOR’S

1. When visitor’s are acknowledged, hospiticians should be prepared to give them a Visitor’s Information Packet if they did not receive one prior to the start of ser- vice.

2. Visitor’s should be asked to complete the Visitor’s Information Card inside the packet, which should then be collected by the hospiticians and turned in to the church secretary.

3. The hospiticians should note the visitors and make an honest effort to greet them and make them feel at home. Be personable and friendly. Inquire as to whether or not they enjoyed the service and invite them to worship with us again.

XI. MEMBERSHIP APPLICATIONS

If someone informs a hospitician that they would like to become a member of BTI, then the hospitician should give them an application for membership which is kept in the secretary’s office. Upon completion, the application is to be turned in to the secretary’s office for review and follow-up.

XII. DUES

The board has operating expenses and a part of being a board member is to contribute dues. Each location will agree on an amount payable monthly. If a member is unable to contribute the established figure, the member should inform the board president and discuss and agree upon an amount that is affordable for the member. One should try as much as possible to give towards the dues, no matter how small.

XIII. VISITING OTHER BTI LOCATIONS

When we visit any Bible Teachers location, we should consider ourselves still at home and make ourselves available to the President of that location for service. At our major conferences all members from all locations will be given an opportunity to serve. The International President will have a roster of duties to be performed.

XIV. HOSPITICIAN SUPPLIES

One role of a hospitician is to ensure that the congregation thoroughly enjoys their time at the sanctuary. Sometimes meeting the smallest of needs such as a hot cup of tea, to settle a nauseas stomach, goes a long way. Below are basic items that may be needed, however each location can add supplies as they wish.

• Cover cloths (should be large enough to cover the entire body if needed).

• Lap cloths

• Tissues

• Contribution envelopes

• Bibles

• Communion cups & trays

• Offering baskets or buckets

• Hot drink supplies (Coffee or tea --for those who may feel weak or faint).

• Cool water & cups

• Sanitary napkins

• Baby diapers

•Smelling salts

• Sewing kit: Needle Thread (black, blue and white) Safety Pins

• First Aid Kit: Band-Aids Gauges Burn Cream