Just Say Hello
Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. Romans 15:7 (ESV)
Be a greeter! Maybe it is not your official church title, but perhaps it should be. In our fallen world today, there are many who are searching for a safe place; a place where they will fit in and find love and peace. Is that so hard to imagine?
There are some that need a new church family because they have just moved to the area. Others show up and if you have the ‘hurt’ antennae, we can recognize that they have come physically, spiritually, or emotionally bruised and battered. Is saying hello truly that stressful?
Being kind to newcomers does not mean we have to take them on vacation with us. At that moment in time, God has brought them into our midst for a reason. It might be revealed to us immediately or never, but what we do in those precious hours has a deep purpose. We really do not have to crawl too far out of our comfort zone to greet someone, find out their name and welcome them.
We have all been there! When we visited for the first time, the church family sized us up. Right or wrong, they looked at how we were dressed and down to the car we drove. They considered our age (did we bring children/grandchildren). Were the kids quiet and well behaved or did they run amuck? God forbid if we sat in someone else’s favorite pew that they’d occupied for forty years. Too much perfume or dress was too short? His tie didn’t match his shirt or jacket. Let’s be truthful here, we have had these thoughts about visitors! They have had these thoughts about us. Ouch!
While we may not have said any of this aloud, the judgements were still present. Just as we try to read newbies, they do the same with us.
Church shopping is not easy! We don’t know what anyone is looking for as they enter for the first time. It may take several weeks for them to decide if our church will be their new home. However, it all starts with a “hello!” One word can make or break a potential new member. To sit and just look at them from across the sanctuary is not acceptable. We can’t all be extroverts, but we can all be welcoming.
At the very least—smile!
Lord Jesus, thank You for welcoming all of us. Please teach us to extend the same kindness to others. Help us to lay aside judgements and accept people for who and where they are. AMEN.