how to serve a summon

I am in the process of filing a small claim against my previous landlord and would like to know which would be the better choice: 1) have him served via certified mail or 2) have him served by a court officer?

Also, what would happen if he refuses to pick up the certified mail from the local post office if the attempt to deliver the mail fails or avoids being served by the court officer by not being home most of the time?



Thank you