The Fireside Café Associate serves as a welcoming presence to church members, guests, school families, staff and visitors by providing exceptional customer service and high-quality food and beverage support within Fireside Café. This role contributes to creating a warm and hospitable environment that reflects the mission and values of The Woodlands Methodist Church.
The ideal candidate is service-minded, dependable, team-oriented, and enjoys building relationships while working in a fast-paced café environment. Responsibilities include food and beverage preparation, cash handling, maintaining cleanliness and food safety standards, supporting café operations, and assisting with deliveries and special hospitality needs throughout the church campus and school. This position supports the Ministry of Hospitality by helping guests feel welcomed, valued, and cared for each day.
Essential Responsibilities Guest Experience and Hospitality
- Welcome and assist guests with a friendly, professional, and servant-hearted attitude.
- Provide excellent customer service while creating a positive café experience.
- Answer questions regarding menu items, beverages, and café offerings.
- Build relationships with church members, guests, school families, volunteers, and staff.
Food and Beverage Preparation
- Prepare and assemble food items according to established recipes and food safety standards.
- Prepare coffee, espresso beverages, teas, and specialty drinks.
- Learn and operate all café equipment, including espresso machines and point-of-sale systems.
- Ensure consistency, quality, and presentation of all menu items.
Café Operations
- Accurately process customer transactions and handle cash, credit card and electronic payments.
- Maintain inventory levels and communicate supply needs to the Café Manager.
- Assist with receiving, stocking, organizing, and rotating inventory.
- Support daily opening and closing procedures.
Food Safety and Cleanliness
- Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary work environment.
- Follow all food handling, health, and safety guidelines.
- Clean and sanitize food preparation areas, equipment, dining spaces, and storage areas.
- Assist with routine deep-cleaning responsibilities as assigned.
Delivery and Ministry Support
- Deliver food and beverage orders throughout church facilities and The Woodlands Methodist School.
- Assist with hospitality support for church meetings, events, and ministry functions as needed.
- Support café promotions, seasonal offerings, and special events.
- Perform additional duties as assigned to support the overall success of the café and hospitality ministry.
QUALIFICATIONS
Faith and Mission Alignment
Candidates must support and actively demonstrate the mission and values of The Woodlands Methodist Church and be committed to fostering a Christ-centered environment.
Core Values
The successful candidate will exemplify the following values:
- Live Faithfully – Integrate Christian beliefs, values, and principles into daily work.
- Love Compassionately – Foster a caring and welcoming environment for all.
- Embody Integrity – Demonstrate honesty, trustworthiness, consistency and confidentiality
- Offer Encouragement – Build others up through positive communication and support.
- Remain Teachable – Demonstrate a willingness to learn and grow.
- Be Accountable – Take ownership of responsibilities and communicate effectively.
- Multiply Yourself – Seek ways to improve efficiency, productivity, and impact.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
- Previous customer service experience preferred.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment while maintaining a positive attitude.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Basic math and cash-handling abilities.
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
- Dependable, punctual, and detail oriented.
- Food service, restaurant, coffee shop, or hospitality experience preferred.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience operating commercial espresso equipment.
- Food Handler Certification or willingness to obtain certification.
- Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
- Ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds.
- Frequent reaching, bending, stooping, and movement throughout the workday.
- Ability to work in a kitchen and food service environment with exposure to heat, noise, and cleaning products.
SCHEDULE
- Typical shifts occur Sunday through Thursday between 7:45 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
- Additional hours may be required for church events, special functions, or seasonal activities.
- As is typical in ministry environments, flexibility in scheduling is expected.
OTHER SPECIFICATIONS
- Reports To: Café Manager
- Position Type: Part-Time, non-exempt (18-24 hours per week)
- Compensation: Based on experience
This job description is intended to describe the general nature of this job and may not include all responsibilities that might be required of the person holding this position. This job description is subject to change at any time at the sole discretion of The Woodlands Methodist Church and does not establish a contract for employment.