THE “FIRST TOUCH” MINISTRY
The "First Touch" Ministry is a church office support ministry of answering the phone and greeting visitors to provide information about the church and its activities.
I. Basic First Touch Principles
A. Prayer
1. Prayer of dependence on the Lord precedes our ministry for the Lord
2. We ask the Holy Spirit to take control after removing anything that would hinder us
in this ministry)
B. Attitudes and Actions of a “First Touch” minister
The Defensive Strategy of the First Toucher
1. Love
a. First Touchers never hear an unimportant insignificant person on the line
b. No respecter of persons (age, race, ethnic, socio-economic)
c. Unconditional encounter- “love conquers all”
2. Joy
a. Cold, aloof, mechanical ministry is discouraging to those who call in.
b. Upbeat positive enthusiastic encounters energize
c. Smiling as you answer unleashes and empowers this attitude
3. Peace
a. Our own trusting the Lord for what’s happening in our life frees us to serve others
b. Our love, joy, and peace help to begin to conquer frustrated or concerned callers
4. Patience
a. Long-suffering melts fleshly/frustrated callers
b. Only WE can allow a problem or situation to upset or irritate us
The Offensive Strategy of the First Toucher
5. Kindness
a. This is the basic outgrowth of the Defensive Strategy
b. Resolve to interact like Christ would to every caller- “I’m here to serve and help
you” (most of the people are those for whom Christ died).”
6. Goodness
a. I will go over and above to assist you
b. I am your servant
7. Faithfulness
a. Being committed to your time slot or advising Janice or Chris of your need for a sub
b. Being on time
8. Gentleness
a. We have the power of being in control of the phone encounter, but whenever exercise
that power in a condescending way.
b. Our manner with each call is as if we were dealing with the most fragile of people-
for most are.
9. Self-Control
a. Frustrated callers don’t fluster First Touchers under the control of the Spirit
b. How am I doing? The above reveals the Spirit-controlled over the flesh-controlled life
10. Against such there is no law
a. Law tears down
b. Grace builds up (unmerited favor is what we have received and therefore what we
live out and give out).
Federal Express Philosophy: “If you don’t take care of your customers, somebody else will!”
How much more is that true of us as we encounter our Brothers and Sisters in Christ