CONNECTIONS TEAM

Welcome to the Team!

A message from our Pastor - Alex Tan

OUR VISION

MORE PEOPLE BECOMING MORE LIKE JESUS

Jesus' last words are our first priority.

18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

(Matthew 28:18-20 | The Great Commission)

As a church, we exist to see souls saved and disciples made. We exist to see more people becoming more like Jesus.

This statement speaks of multiplication and discipleship; it is a mission to expand our community, not just in numbers, but in the depth of our faith. We're committed to reaching more of the coast and extending the invitation to experience the transformative power of Jesus' teachings. Simultaneously, we're focused on deepening our understanding and embodiment of those teachings and fostering a community of disciples who reflect the love and grace of Jesus.

This is where you come in! How can you embody “more people becoming more like Jesus” this year?

Our values are who we are. They are not just what we do, but they are part of our DNA. 
If the vision is the roof, the values are the pillars to support it and keep it strong.
Our values propel us toward our vision and guide all that we do.
This is the language we want to hear in every team rally, team meeting and team chat.

1 - JESUS IS OUR MESSAGE 

  • We believe Jesus is God’s answer for the world.

  • We’re Jesus people and live to represent Him.

  • We believe one encounter with Jesus changes everything.

2 - PEOPLE ARE OUR HEART 

  • We value people because God values people.

  • We choose to encourage, honour and love one another.

  • We are authentic, family focussed and make real connections.

  • We’re here to see people saved and make disciples.

  • We believe everyone can do something to reach others.

3 - SERVANTHOOD IS OUR ATTITUDE

  • We love serving the Lord together.

  • We are contributors, not consumers.

  • We choose to go the extra mile.

  • We serve generously with our time, talent and treasure.

OUR VALUES

Meet your Team Leaders

Hi there! If we haven’t met already we are Darren and Megan and together we oversee the Operations department. We’re so glad you’re here and excited to have you on the team!

As your leaders we are here to support, care and lead you by building you up on your faith journey; by being available to listen, guide and encourage you and; by leading this team with a culture where feedback is welcome, growth is celebrated and no one feels alone in their role. We truly believe that for someone visiting church for the first time, it’s often the little things, the warm smile, the friendly hello, the thoughtful details that help people feel like they truly belong.

Being a part of the hm.team is not just about getting your hands dirty, it’s a key part of your discipleship journey. God has given all of us the grace to play our part! With that important understanding it’s vital that we understand the wins for each Sunday, which is to give every opportunity for people to encounter Jesus, and every opportunity for it to feel like family. Our role in achieving these wins is to create a warm, inclusive environment where people feel valued and seen from the moment they arrive; Create spaces where people can encounter Jesus where spaces feel ready, prepared and peaceful. You are not just a greeter, you are the first connection, the first smile, the first step in someone’s journey to a relationship with Jesus

So what’s next? Below you will see more information about what it looks like to serve on the team, some expectations and agreements, and other practical next steps.

We are here for any questions you may have and we can’t wait to serve alongside you!

Darren & Megan Lockwood

How we serve & serve well

  • Dress Code:

    We come to our Sunday services dressed modestly and to honour God. 

    Practically, that means wearing your hm.church lanyard while serving, bottoms that reach your knees, and no low-cut necklines that may show cleavage. Crop tops are not acceptable. Nothing that’s too tight, short, or revealing. 

    Clothing with prints and patterns are acceptable, unless they have language or images that may be offensive or inappropriate.

    We respect everyone’s styles and personalities, however, please dress to ‘blend in’, rather than to ‘stand out’ - we want our congregation’s focus to be on Jesus!

    If unsure, please feel free to ask our leaders at any time.

    Blue Card:

    All volunteers at hm.church are required to have a blue card issued by the Government. This is free and easily accessible. Once you have applied for a blue card, please provide your name, date of birth, card number and expiry date to Darren. If you don’t yet have a Blue Card go here for more info.

  • Punctuality:

    Your reliability sets the tone for the team. Please arrive on time and stay until it is complete. If you are unable to attend or will be late, let the leader know as early as possible.

    Communication:

    We use Facebook Messenger & SMS for Sunday updates and team communications. We believe in honouring each other's time and effort so expect responses to communications.

Next Steps

  • Welcome to the team! We’re so excited to serve alongside you, grow with you, and get to know you better.

    Our first step is simple, we want to understand you. We’ll learn about your skillsets, strengths, and availability, and then place you in a lane where you can thrive and make the greatest impact.

    There’s always room to grow. If there’s an area you’d love to develop or a new skill you’re interested in learning, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to equip you and help you step into all that God has for you.

    We’re so glad you’re part of the team.

  • Our onboarding process is designed to set you up for success and help you feel confident in your role on the team.

    To get started these resources should be reviewed:

    • Key Service Moments

    • Helpful Hints

    From here, onboarding takes place over your first two times serving on the team.

    • You’ll serve alongside experienced team members, watching and learning:

      • Welcome table setup

      • Greeting and ushering

      • Giving Collection 

      • Post-service connections and pack down

    • You’ll have the chance to ask questions, observe key tasks, and start stepping into the role with hands-on support.

    You’re considered fully onboarded when:

    • You are confident in all aspects of your role

    • You can step into your position without needing step-by-step guidance

    • You are able to explain and show someone else how to do the role

  • We have a high feedback culture, and a culture of leading up. What this means is that communication is always two-way, we welcome any and all questions you may have, and encourage you to bring any issues, concerns, interests and more to our leaders.

    Our leaders are equipped to answer your questions to the best of our ability, and will always be ready to support you.

More Info

  • Throughout the morning, our role is to create a space that feels like family and allows people to encounter Jesus.

    • 7:15 am - Arrive.

    • 7:25 am - Info desk setup and pre-service checks.

    • 7:30 am - Churchwide pre service huddle

    • 7:50 am - Specific - Connection team huddle and prayer.

    • 8:00 am - Doors open, greeting and ushering begins.

    • 8:30 am – FIRST Service starts

    • 8:40 am - Positioned in designated spot to give a chocolate and guest card to new people with hands raised

    • 8:45 am - Positioned in designated spot to hand offering buckets

    • 10:00 am – FIRST Service concludes

    Mid-Service: Welcome guests, collect guest cards, connect with people, and help with reset.

    • 10:05 am – Reset ushering begins.

    • 10:30 am – SECOND Service starts

    • 10:40 am - Positioned in designated spot to give a chocolate and guest card to new people with hands raised

    • 10:45 am - Positioned in designated spot to hand offering buckets

    • 12:00 pm - SECOND Service concludes

    • 12:30 pm – Pack down

    Post-Service: Welcome guests, collect guest cards, connect with people, and help with pack down.

  • Required Skills – Connections Team

    Throughout the morning, your role is to create a space that feels like family and allows people to encounter Jesus.

    1. Warm & Welcoming

    Genuine smile and friendly presence

    Confident starting simple conversations

    Makes people feel seen quickly

    2. Spiritually Prepared

    Arrive prayed up

    Sensitive to the Holy Spirit

    Expectant that lives can change every Sunday

    3. Reliable & Punctual

    On time (7:15am arrival)

    Engaged in both huddles

    Ready for your designated positions

    4. Team-Oriented

    Follows instructions and positioning

    Supports ushering, offering, reset and pack down

    Flexible and helpful when areas get busy

    5. Clear Communicator

    Gives simple directions confidently

    Comfortable offering chocolates & guest cards

    Able to collect guest cards and connect briefly

    6. Emotionally Aware

    Reads the room well

    Matches tone and energy appropriately

    Recognises when someone may need extra care

    The Win

    ✔ People feel like family.

    ✔ Guests feel seen and valued.

    ✔ Everyone has opportunity to encounter Jesus.

    You are often the first impression and the lasting memory of the day — and that matters deeply.

  • At a glance - One page CLICK HERE

    A quick look at the Sunday Runsheet

    Full instruction - Multi page CLICK HERE

    More details on the various acticity’s that make up a typical service relating to the Connections Team

  • 1. What time do I need to arrive?

    Please arrive at 7:15am sharp.

    This allows time for info desk setup, pre-service checks, churchwide huddle (7:30am), and our Connections Team huddle (7:50am) before doors open at 8:00am.

    Being on time helps us serve with unity and excellence.

    2. What should I wear?

    Dress neat, comfortable, and modest.

    We want to look approachable and presentable while being practical enough to move, usher, reset and serve throughout the morning.

    If unsure, aim for smart casual.

    3. What is the main goal of the Connections Team?

    Our win every Sunday is simple:

    ✔ People feel like family.

    ✔ Guests feel seen and valued.

    ✔ Everyone has opportunity to encounter Jesus.

    You are often someone’s first impression of church — and that matters.

    4. What if I don’t know the answer to someone’s question?

    That’s completely okay.

    Simply say, “That’s a great question, let me find out for you.”

    Then connect them to a team leader or someone who can help.

    Never guess. Always guide.

    5. What do I do when someone raises their hand in service?

    At the designated time, be in your assigned position with a chocolate and guest card ready.

    Approach warmly and confidently. Smile. Keep it simple and encouraging.

    This moment should feel safe, not overwhelming.

    6. What if I can’t serve one Sunday?

    Please let your team leader know as early as possible so we can organize cover.

    Communication is key, we understand life happens.

    7. Do I need to serve both services?

    Preferably Yes. Connections Team members serve the full morning (including reset and pack down).

    Consistency helps us create a seamless experience across both services.

    8. What happens after the service?

    We:

    Welcome guests

    Collect guest cards

    Help with reset between services

    Assist with pack down after second service

    Ministry doesn’t stop when the service ends, often that’s when conversations begin.

    9. Who do I give guest cards to?

    Follow your internal process (usually team leader or designated collection point) black box on info desk.

    Make sure cards are completed clearly and handled carefully.

    Follow-up matters.

    10. What if I feel nervous?

    That’s normal!

    You’re not doing this alone, we serve together as a team. Just be yourself, smile, and trust that God will use you.

Rostering

Ezra Tan covers rosters in this video

Safety

Welcoming someone into a safe, peaceful environment is one of the most important ways we show care, especially for those who may be visiting church for the first time.

All volunteers should:

  • Know the emergency evacuation procedures

  • Know how to report incidents or hazards

  • Have their blue card linked to hm church

  • Follow Safe Ministry expectations. 

For the Connections Team, safety also means managing crowd flow, keeping entrances/exits accessible, using respectful boundaries in interactions, and being alert to spills or hazards. Team members may assist in emergencies, so remaining calm, observant, and caring is vital.

Emergency Contacts:

Darren Lockwood: 0412 378 561

Megan Lockwood: 0412 378 560

FEELS LIKE HOME