The Power of Hello

The Safety Ministry Team is always considering how to best assure our friendly and welcoming church community remains safe and secure.

We would like to introduce you to ‘The Power of Hello’, an approach to security that is based on utilizing friendly conversation to identify and address potential problems. Members of our team were introduced to it at a security seminar sponsored by the Presbytery. We felt it could easily be applied here at PCM and include it in the orientation of our Welcome Team.

There are four steps to ‘The Power of Hello’:

1. The first is to Observe Behavior – to be aware of individuals or situations that appear out of the ordinary. For example, this could be someone behaving suspiciously, someone who might be in a location where they shouldn’t be, or someone wearing attire or carrying something that might conceal a weapon. Or perhaps someone who simply appears lost and needs direction.
   
2. The second and key step of this process is to Initiate a Hello – to ask if they need assistance (Hello. Can I help you?). If someone is not responding try to engage them further by asking, for example, How are you today? It’s good to see you. Is this your first time here? or Are you looking for someone in particular? If you feel something is not right or are concerned in any way, let someone in charge know. This can be the Welcome Team Leader during worship (who is in the Narthex throughout the service) or one of the staff at the Parish House.
   
3. The third step is to Navigate the Risk – the person advised of a concern should observe and assess the situation to determine if action needs to be taken. Does the individual appear to need assistance? Should a Pastor or Stephen Minister be asked to speak with them? Is there something concerning about the individual that poses a threat to others? Is there a potential for danger? Determine if there is a need for further action or whether continued observation is sufficient.
   
4. The fourth step is to Obtain Help if it is determined there is a need for further action. If the person is behaving in a manner that is threatening to themself or to others, the police (911) should be called immediately. In worship, if someone acts up or appears upset but is not threatening, attempts will be made to bring that person back to the Narthex where a Pastor or Stephen Minister can speak with them.

‘The Power of Hello’ is an approach that you can apply in a variety of situations. If you would like additional information or have any questions, please feel free to speak with a member of our team. Current members are Craig Barth, Elizabeth Bruen, Bob Davies, Kevin Hubbard, Dick Kaller, Paul Koski, Stan Mack, Phil Scaduto, and Jenny Tooley.

Thank you and please stay safe!