From the Parking Lot to the Pulpit

By Monica K Walker

From the Parking Lot to the Pulpit provides the reader with tools that can be easily and effectively implemented no matter the size of edifice. This body of work is a great training apparatus for those who desire to enhance the quality of service provided every time the church doors are open. Everybody and anybody involved in

• Language: English
• Publisher: The Monica W Agency
• Release date: Feb 1, 2022
• ISBN: 9781736973820

Book preview

FROM THE PARKING LOT TO THE PULPIT

An Experience Guide to Ministry Service

By

Monica K. Walker

The Bible. New International Version. YouVersion, app version 9.0, RED 3.3.0.4508, Life Church, 2008-2019

The Bible. King James Version. Bible Gateway, version 42, Bible Gateway / Zondervan, 2016

Copyright © 2021 by Monica K. Walker

Publisher: The Monica W Agency, LLC, Greensboro, NC, January 2021

Edits performed by Effective & Optimal Writing Solutions

Book cover graphics and photography by Dfitz The Designer

All rights reserved.

Facebook: The Monica W Agency, LLC

Twitter and Instagram: @themonicawagency

www.themonicawagency.com

ISBN: 978-1-7369738-0-6

DEDICATION

This book is dedicated to my mom, the anchor of my life in human form.  Your prayers, guidance, wisdom, and unconditional love have covered me on my journey to this milestone.  I also dedicate this book to the late Cozy Harrelson, who has been an angel of joy and peace throughout my life.  Your encouraging words and embraces of love are forever heard and felt.

Table of Contents

Dedication

Forewords

Introduction

Chapter 1~The Parking Lot

Chapter 2~Greeters

Chapter 3~Ushers

Chapter 4~Stewards/Trustees

Chapter 5~In The Kitchen

Chapter 6 ~Executive Hospitality

Chapter 7~In The Pulpit

Chapter 8 ~Media And Security

Chapter 9 ~Music

Chapter 10 ~Artistic Expressions

Chapter 11 ~Miscellaneous

Chapter 12~Special Events

Acknowledgements

FOREWORDS

The quality of service delivered, no matter the industry, is vital to its operational sustainability.  Even in the church setting, there is an element to serving that is critical to the culture of the kingdom.  It is crucial that those serving are equipped with knowledge and tools that will enable their demonstration and execution to be a conduit for God's attributes and glory to be experienced.  His presence should not be confined to the walls of the sanctuary but throughout the property lines of the edifice through the service of the willing parishioners.

This book gives great insight into the quality of service necessary for the holistic impact of a faith-based institution.  I am excited to see the body of Christ have an opportunity to encounter the excellent nature of this lovely soul through her unique penmanship.  So often, the critical components required for effective and efficient service are overlooked or obstructed by a perspective that diminishes their importance.  From the Parking Lot to the Pulpit candidly covers a variety of dynamics from one that has lived her life serving others and the kingdom at large.  It has been an honor to experience Monica’s unparalleled service ability firsthand as well as assist in her spiritual growth and development as her Senior Pastor.  It brings me boundless joy to see how she has expanded her reach by becoming an author and sharing the service jewels so many have directly enjoyed and continue to appreciate. 

~ Bishop Bryan J. Pierce, Sr.

Senior Pastor

Mount Zion Baptist Church of Greensboro, Inc.

One of the principles of success is deeply rooted in the idea that excellence and integrity are not options but necessities. Success can never be labeled average because average is the top of the bottom and, at the same time, the bottom of the top. Thus, it is like a cake in that it is a combining of many ingredients to form a totally different product to be consumed by any who will partake of it. Monica loves variety and has taken the cake approach that resulted in a powerful tool that can be applied to so many situations, from the parking lot to the pulpit. I have seen it work in our ministry, and I have also seen the negative results when her principles and suggestions were not used.

In her book, she refuses to let ministry be an unfinished or incomplete assignment. An excellent God wants His people to receive excellent service at the hands of other servants who are brothers and sisters in His Kingdom. We are our brother’s keeper. For the household of faith, the attitude must be that no task is too trivial, and no obstacle is too large to be resolved. The facts are that together we can overcome all challenges for the greater good.

Use any part of her ministry cake to enhance your ministry. Maybe a teaspoon of open-mindedness, a tablespoon of empathy, and a pinch of good listening would help the communication. A cup of warm welcome and directions could go a long way to new friends. Finally, give them a full quart of Jesus love. Stir with a smile and use regularly for the soon coming King.

~ Bishop George W Brooks

Pastor Emeritus

Mount Zion Baptist Church of Greensboro, Inc.

INTRODUCTION

If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there my servant be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor.  John 12:26 NKJV

Who knew that this eighties baby would have such rich experiences to share with the world in written form?  According to my mom and aunts, I was a momma’s baby and did not want to stray from her side.  As I grew, that quickly changed.  I became a village child that bounced from home to home, enjoying the love shared by some of my parents’ longtime friends.  Being a shining star as a child model, dancer, and debutante became routine, and my personality began to blossom.  While I participated in a myriad of activities as a youngster, one place became home.  It was not the runway as a Belk model.  It was not the stages where I accumulated numerous crowns and sashes from the pageants.  It was not even on the platform that hosts one of my greatest loves, the dance floor.  It was 1301 Alamance Church Road in Greensboro, North Carolina.  My church was my home.  Mount Zion Baptist Church is my church, and I am one of its babies. Literally.  Old Mount Zion (Spencer Street) marched to new Mount Zion (Alamance Church Road) in September 1981, and I was born in October 1981. All churches have their babies.  Some of the babies become woven in the thread of the ministry as it evolves, and others leave footprints as they venture on to other phases of life.  It is undeniable that this baby is a part of the blended fabric of the Zion tapestry.  Church babies are at church every time their parents are there. I was one of the little ones you passed in the hallway doing homework or some constructive activity until my mom was done with a meeting.  For me, it was meetings for Pastor’s Aide, Sunday School board, GEMZ, Daughters of Destiny leadership, and more.  My mom was serious about being involved in the ministry, and I was there for it all.  So, my destiny in kingdom service was being developed and set in motion at a youthful age.  I did not know how helping the GEMZ Team (God’s Evidence at Mount Zion) assemble the monthly church newsletter would affect me in my latter years.  Unbeknownst to me, watching and helping the Pastor’s Aide set the table for the preacher and guests was watering a seed.  I figured it was just something to do to occupy the time.  Having to recite the weekly bible verse before my children’s church peers or sitting with the various age groups in Daughters of Destiny, our female ministry, gave me tools that my present purpose has used.  I was clueless as to how the things I observed and learned, the interactions, and participation would be so impactful.

Seeing my life today shows how the aforementioned and many other experiences as a church baby have proven to be profitable.  The flower has blossomed, and now I am sowing seeds of my own.  Who knew how much the actions and practices of my predecessors would affect me several years later?  Now, I am living it.  We talk a lot about generational curses, but generational blessings also exist.  My great-grandparents and grandparents happily served the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) and Baptist preachers throughout South Carolina.  So, I like to say that serving is in my DNA.  It is a natural part of who I am.  It is my God-given gift. It is one I have proudly embraced and am happy to share with the world.  The nuggets learned along the way are priceless and proven demonstrations of how much God values me.  As you seek to become a better kingdom servant, it is my hope that you are enlightened and empowered to heighten your level of excellence in service.  Enjoy this journey from the parking lot to the pulpit and let us grow!

EMBRACE YOUR PLACE

Everybody has a place in the body of Christ in which they can serve.  We each possess our own piece to the kingdom puzzle.  When we do not utilize our piece(s), others have to carry multiple pieces to complete the puzzle lest it goes undone.  It is always better to employ your own piece and carry your own weight.  Just sitting on the side and watching the vision come to life will cause you to miss so many opportunities to experience and demonstrate God’s glory in countless dimensions.  The reward is always greater, having served and having your hands involved with the execution of a task. Kudos to you if you are currently serving in your ministry.  I am sure I echo your leader’s heartfelt sentiments when I say your service is appreciated.  It is my hope that this manuscript will influence an increase of excellence in your service.  If, by chance, you have yet to find your place in ministry service, get excited! Why?  Because this book is sure to impact you and inspire you to spring into action. Open your eyes, heart, and mind as you walk this journey with me to see how you can get plugged in and have the joy of manifesting God’s glory through your service.  Let us begin our parking lot to pulpit expedition.

CHAPTER 1

The Parking Lot

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

~ Matthew 5:16 (KJV)

H

ere we are in the parking lot. This is where the experience begins.  Traditionally, this is the last place the old school church thought about staffing. In my toddler years, and certainly before, the church parking lot held the trustees that were getting their final pulls of nicotine before Sunday School began. The deacons were found catching up on the community events from the weekend as you pulled up on the dirt or gravel lot. You did not drive too fast in an effort to avoid the holes and uneven terrain, and you parked in line with the cars that arrived before you. Every now and then, because it was the Pastor’s Anniversary or the church’s annual Homecoming, you could find a face or two waiting outdoors for the visiting choir or pastor. Today, parking attendants have become a new normal for ministries across the board; even the smaller ministries are now focusing on the parking lot.

KINGDOM PARKS HERE

The grading scale for one’s enjoyment of their worship encounter stretches from the time they pull onto the property until they leave. Kingdom service and its principles have expanded to include the total experience of corporate engagement from beginning to end. Because of this, we must diligently work to creatively craft the parking lot encounter, so the experience begins with pleasantries. No matter the size of the congregation, parking assistance adds value to the worship service. Here are some things to consider.

Order and Structure

What is the traffic flow?

Who parks where in the lot?

The customized structure directs the way those involved should flow. Whether they are your own congregants or guests, you want the order to be established at the earliest possible moment as it lessens the potential for chaos. Clear direction and a smiling face lighten the mood as the vehicle makes the final turn of their journey onto the grounds.

Signage

Is it clearly visible?

Is it easily understood?

Is it welcoming?

Your parking lot is an automatic contribution to the corporate experience, and the inclusion of signage can strengthen or weaken its value.

Presentation

Has all the trash and debris been cleared out?

Do the flowers and plants look alive as they accessorize the lot?

Have the large puddles and potholes been identified so they can be avoided?

What people see often shapes their perception, and more times than not, that perception becomes their reality.  It is always a good thing when you can present the best side at the initial connection to decrease the probability