"Today in church (12/26), a friend was anxious to share a Christmas Eve event that she experienced during the 9 pm service here. With her permission, I explained that I would like to share it with others. She had turned around at one point in the Christmas Eve service to welcome two strangers, a couple, to our service. She also commented on the gentleman's beautiful singing voice.
He handed her a dollar...........
He quietly explained that he had been waiting for someone to welcome them there that night . He had decided he would hand a dollar bill to the first person to extend that welcome.
What would have prompted a visitor to our church to feel the need to thank someone for simply welcoming them? What does that say about us? It isn't pleasant to hear that our church has a reputation for not being a "friendly" church--like it or not, we do have that reputation in our community. Some would argue that to not be true. Consider this then...the same couple had arrived early for the service. We made some coffee and invited them to sit sat in fellowship hall while they waited for services to begin. As they sat there, fellowship hall was bustling with activity along with choir rehearsing for service. Someone asked them if they were there to join the choir. They explained they were not and sadly, that was the only conversation they had. One or two said “hello” but no conversation.
That should be the beginning and the end of a lesson in how we have work we have to do in our church, to work harder at welcoming all who are here to worship with us, be it a visitor or "regulars". However, that's not the end of the story. There is something to add to this--a few weeks earlier the very same person that had turned around to greet our Christmas Eve visitors had herself broken down in tears-- she was sad and feeling unwelcome here in her own church even though she is active and has attended church here for several years. Isn't it ironic that she was the one blessed to have been acknowledged for her kindness toward our guests?
The end of the story? The husband of the special couple in attendance Christmas Eve is a noted author who holds a PhD in counseling psychology. He has written several books including a book about churches and small groups. The book focuses on the success of small groups helping to form personal relationships and in turn how those personal relationships help to nourish churches. Additionally, the close bonds that are formed help strengthen the congregation. Once the congregation is strong, focus can then be given to our mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ in order to transform the world.
Wait! Where have we heard this before? We hear it still! How ironic is it that God brought these visitors, this person who greeted them and this story to our congregation on the most holy of nights. If we are waiting for a "sign" to help us in our direction, I do truly believe God has given us one huge nudge! So what are we waiting for? There are opportunities for each of us to help turn this around"
Maybe it means developing a usher/greeter program which helps the pastor identify those who are visiting. Have them sign the guest book. Give them a gift with information about the church. Maybe before the people talk to anyone they know they seek out those they don't. Maybe you begin with an outreach group who comes to the services and looks for those who are new, engages them in conversation and then introduces them to the pastor. Here that has happened many times. People have taken the time to go out of their way to introduce themselves and them introduce me.
Not only do we need to do better at making a lasting first impression, but we must learn to move quickly. By that I mean once the service ends most visitors leave the service in THREE minutes. So once your service ends, unless you are intentional, they will be out the door before you can get to them. I went to a church while on vacation once. I knew about four or five people in that congregation including the pastor. After the service, I said hello to pastor and slowly moved to get my coat. I wasted more time, by fumbling with my jacket etc. I was there over 3 minutes after the service had ended. I even stood looking around as if lost. Not one person, including the pastor, came over to me to invite me to coffee fellowship or engage me. That seen happens far too often in our churches.
Happy New Year!
|
