Celebrating Hospitality & Concierge Ministries at Bethany Church
At Bethany Church, we believe that the experience of worship begins long before anyone enters the sanctuary. It starts in the parking lot, at the door, and in the warm smiles and helpful hands that greet every visitor. Our Hospitality & Concierge Ministries are at the forefront of this experience, ensuring that each person who steps onto our campus feels welcomed, valued, and loved.
This month, we are honored to recognize Bro. Vernon James and Sis. Arra Woodson as our February Volunteers of the Month for their unwavering dedication to serving others. Their commitment to hospitality and guest services embodies the heart of our mission—Transforming Lives One at a Time.
Bro. Vernon James: 12 Years of Warm Welcomes and Helping Hands
For over a decade, Bro. Vernon James has been a pillar of the Hospitality Ministry, greeting church members and visitors with a genuine smile and a servant’s heart. His passion for reaching out to others has shaped his journey in ministry and deepened his relationship with God.
“I love reaching out to others with a helping hand. Hospitality gives me the chance to do that every week. When you love your ministry, it gives you the greatest feeling to see church members and visitors every week and greet them with a smile.”
Through his service, Bro. Vernon has seen firsthand how a warm welcome can make a difference in someone’s life. Whether assisting those in wheelchairs, offering support to guests in need, or simply providing a kind word, he understands the power of small gestures.
One Sunday, while serving at the door, he noticed a young woman feeling faint due to low blood sugar. Without hesitation, he greeted her, found out what was wrong, and offered her a piece of candy—a small act of kindness that made a big impact.
“In hospitality, we start the transformation at the door. We speak, we smile, we uplift, and we offer a friendly hand. We do our best to make sure people enter the sanctuary with a spirit of joy and worship.”
When asked what advice he would give to those considering joining the ministry, Bro. Vernon shared:
“A smile on your face, a helping hand, really loving Jesus, and a willingness to assist individuals coming in is all you need. You have to believe in transforming lives one at a time.”
Sis. Arra Woodson: Creating a Spirit-Led Welcome for First-Time Guests
For Sis. Arra Woodson, serving in the Concierge Ministry is more than just greeting guests—it’s about being attuned to the Holy Spirit and creating a welcoming environment for those stepping into Bethany for the first time.
“People come into our church with all kinds of concerns, personal problems, and expectations. I want to make sure that I’m tuned into that. I want to demonstrate kindness and the love of Christ to those individuals.”
Since joining the ministry in 2017-2018, Sis. Arra has played a key role in guiding first-time guests through their worship experience. She ensures that they feel comfortable, informed, and connected from the moment they arrive. But her role doesn’t stop there—her presence often extends beyond a simple greeting.
“I will register the first-time guest, demonstrate the love of God toward them, and escort them to the special seating we have for them. Then I sit near them. Later, when Bishop Evans does the call for salvation, I am often the only person they recognize. This creates the opportunity for me to reassure and comfort them as I reach out my hand and lead them to the altar and watch them receive salvation. This has happened over and over again.”
For Sis. Arra, being part of the Guest Concierge Ministry has not only transformed the lives of those she serves—it has also transformed her own.
“Each person in the team I serve with is like iron sharpening iron, making all of us better than we were. That love, joy, and blessing transforms the lives of the people we encounter because they can feel the sincerity of our service toward them.”
When asked what advice she would give to someone considering serving, her answer was simple:
“Please do it! God is going to bless you every time you show up to serve.”
A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Volunteers of the Month
Bro. Vernon James and Sis. Arra Woodson, we celebrate you! Your commitment to serving God and His people is an inspiration. Your smiles, kindness, and unwavering faith make a lasting impact on every person who walks through Bethany’s doors.
To those looking for a way to serve, consider joining the Hospitality or Concierge Ministry. Whether it’s through a handshake, a friendly conversation, or simply being present for someone in need, your service can be the start of someone’s transformation.
Interested in volunteering? Learn more about how you can get involved by emailing: Email: K.Medley@Go2Bethany.com
