Hey, it’s Brady,

Having a host is one of my favorite ways to truly elevate a church service.

But what even is a host? And what do they do?

There are 5 things to consider…

#1. The Host Role

Every church has announcements to share. The host role includes delivering announcements, but also layers on these additional tasks:

#2. Why It Matters

For me, the goal of a host is to build trust with the congregation, propel people to take action, and ensure fluidity through the service.

#3. The Biblical Precedent

Now, why might “fluidity” matter? Well, it’s not about creating a polished worship service that impresses people. It's about providing direction and helping orient the congregation around the purpose of each part of your service.

Perhaps you’re familiar with the Biblical idea of a “call to worship.”

It’s an invitation to the congregation to focus their hearts and minds on worshiping God in that moment.

This is the big idea underpinning the role of church host - helping orient the congregation around the purpose of each part of your service.

#4. The Historical Roots

Let’s be clear - this is not a modern church invention coming from the secular world. Historically, this role might go by a different name: “presider.”

The Anglican reverend Bosco Peters defined it this way: “The presider coordinates the ministries of ushers, those leading music, reading the scriptures, leading the Prayers of the People, serving, preparing the holy table, bringing forward the bread, wine, and offerings, and assisting with administering communion.”

#5. Why Churches Benefit From A Dedicated Host

Part of this role could be done by the worship leader. Part of it by the preacher. Part of it by the volunteer giving announcements. But it’s not the primary focus for any of those people.

Could one of those people also act as host? Certainly. But still make sure to define the host role as its own position so that it gets the care and attention it needs.

“But Brady, there’s no such thing as a ‘host’ in the New Testament church!”

There’s no such thing as announcements either.

Are you doing those? Okay.

So if nothing else, a dedicated host is guaranteed to improve your church’s weekly announcements.

For which I’m confident your congregation will be grateful.

You announced it four weeks in a row. Someone still walks up and asks, "Wait, when was that?"

Today, we'll unpack five of your questions on newsletters, bulletins, church identity, and AI announcements - and why spoon-feeding details trains your church to stop listening.

Dive in here.

Thanks as always for your time, attention, and trust. Talk to you next Thursday. - Brady Shearer