The Protocol Ministry at Christ Is The Answer Ministries (CITAM) is dedicated to ensuring that all worshippers, especially newcomers, feel welcomed and comfortable during services and church events. This ministry focuses on maintaining order, providing hospitality, and facilitating a conducive environment for worship and fellowship. The ministry also embodies the biblical call to hospitality, fostering an environment of love, acceptance, and community within the church
Mission Statement
To extend a hand of welcome to worshippers while ensuring newcomers feel at home at CITAM.
Key Objectives
- Warm Reception: Greet and welcome all attendees, creating a friendly and inviting atmosphere.
- Assist Newcomers: Help first-time visitors navigate the church facilities and connect them with relevant ministries.
- Facilitate Fellowship: Encourage interaction among congregants to build a sense of community and belonging.
- Support Church Events: Provide hospitality services during church functions, including refreshments and logistical assistance.
- Hospitality: Provide a warm and welcoming atmosphere for all attendees, ensuring they feel valued and part of the church family.
- Orderliness: Maintain order during services and events, guiding congregants as needed to ensure smooth operations.
- Collaboration: Work closely with other ministries to coordinate activities and enhance the overall worship experience.
Activities and Programs
- Welcoming Worshippers: Greet and usher congregants as they arrive, assisting with seating and providing information about the service.
- Newcomers Integration: Identify and engage with first-time visitors, providing them with information about the church and opportunities for involvement.
- Service Coordination: Assist in the orderly conduct of services, including managing movement during offerings, communion, and altar calls.
- Welcome Desk: Staffed by hospitality team members to provide information and assistance to attendees.
- Newcomers’ Orientation: Organize sessions to introduce new members to the church’s mission, vision, and ministries.
- Fellowship Events: Host gatherings such as after-service teas, potlucks, and special celebrations to foster community.
- Event Support: Assist in organizing and managing hospitality aspects of church events, including seating arrangements and refreshments.
- Community Outreach Initiatives: Engage with the local community to extend hospitality beyond the church walls.
Key Events
- New Members’ Welcome and Orientation: Organize sessions to welcome and integrate new members into the church community.
- New Members’ Luncheon: A special event to welcome and integrate new members into the church community.
- Special Services: Coordinate protocol during significant church events such as Easter, Christmas, and annual conferences.
- Training Workshops: Conduct regular training for protocol team members to enhance their skills in hospitality and service.
- Holiday Celebrations: Organize gatherings during festive seasons to promote fellowship and inclusivity.
- Volunteer Appreciation Day: An event to honor and appreciate the contributions of Welcome Ministry volunteers.
- Community Outreach Initiatives: Engage with the local community to extend hospitality beyond the church walls.
Biblical Foundation
The Protocol Ministry is inspired by biblical teachings on hospitality and service:
- “Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.” – Hebrews 13:2
- “Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.” – 1 Peter 4:9
- “Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.” – Romans 12:13
- “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” – Mark 10:45
Integration into the Larger CITAM Family
The Protocol Ministry collaborates with other departments, such as the Ushering and Welcome teams, to ensure a cohesive and welcoming environment for all worshippers. This collaboration reflects CITAM’s commitment to holistic and unified worship practices.
Requirements to Join
- Membership: Be a registered and active member of CITAM.
- Friendly Disposition: Possess a warm and approachable demeanor to make attendees feel welcome.
- Commitment to Service: Be available to serve during services and special events consistently.
- Express Interest: Inform the Protocol Ministry leader or pastoral staff of your desire to serve.
- Training: Participate in training sessions to understand the procedures and spiritual significance of the ministry.
- Commitment: Demonstrate a willingness to serve consistently during services and special events.
- Team Collaboration: Work effectively with other ministry members to provide cohesive hospitality services.
- Willingness to Learn: Participate in training sessions to enhance hospitality skills and knowledge.
How to Contribute to Our Mission
- Prayer Support: Pray for the ministry’s effectiveness and the spiritual impact of their service.
- Volunteer Assistance: Offer your time during services and events, even if not a regular member of the ministry.
- Resource Provision: Contribute resources or funds to assist in procuring materials needed for hospitality and service.
- Encourage Participation: Educate and encourage fellow congregants about the significance of hospitality and the importance of participation.
Recurrent Meetings
- Weekly Briefings: Regular meetings to plan and coordinate activities for upcoming services and events.
- Monthly Preparation Sessions: Held on Saturdays before the first Sunday to prepare for upcoming services and events.
- Quarterly Training Workshops: Sessions aimed at enhancing the team’s effectiveness and spiritual readiness.
Contact Details
For more information or to get involved with the Protocol Ministry, please contact the ministry leader at your local CITAM assembly or visit the official CITAM website: www.citam.org.
Through the Protocol Ministry, CITAM upholds the biblical mandate of hospitality, ensuring that all who enter its doors experience the love and welcome of Christ.