I read an article this week that made me think. Check it out here:
Ten Things You Should Never Say to a Guest in a Worship Service.
As you read through those ten, know that they actually happened. Whenever I hear stories like this, my first response is: "That would never happen at our church." But then reality sets in and I realize it's very possible, even probable, that people have offended guests with their words.
So, as another Sunday approaches, and Mother's Day of all Sundays, how about a couple good guidelines for welcoming guests?
1. Make them feel welcome.
Yeah. Bright idea, pastor! No, really. Be ready to say words like "I'm glad you're here" or "Tell me about yourseslf." A hand shake can go a long way.
If you meet someone in a hallway, offer to sit with them in the service.
2. Smile.
Another brilliant idea. Does a genuinely smiling person make you feel welcome at a restaurant, an event you're attending, or a strange place?
3. Learn.
Ask questions. "Tell me about yourself." "Tell me about these great looking children that are with you." "How did you decide to visit our church today?"
Hopefully these brief ideas will inspire your thinking. Remember the feeling you had the last time you visited a church or a place where you didn't know anybody.
How can you prepare to help make that feeling go away for someone?
In Christ,
Pastor Kevin