Ministers Desk 30 October

There are two great misconceptions that members of churches make when it comes to welcoming and including new comers.

The first is that people think that it is someone else’s job.  People say things like “I don’t know what to say”.  Alternatively, they excuse themselves saying that they are too busy with other tasks that need to be done.  Whilst these may be legitimate, they do not excuse each one of us from expressing simple hospitality when it comes to meeting, welcoming and including guests to our church.  I’ve said in recent weeks that it is up to each one of us to help guests feel and know that they are welcome and can find a place to belong in the life of our church.   

The second misconception that some people hold is that guests do not want to be spoken to, invited for morning tea or told about the activities of the church.  Some church members hold a fear about swamping a guest and therefore err on the side of ignoring them.  Simple hospitality is the answer to this.  Every guest to our church is open to someone speaking to them.  When we do speak to them we need to be sensitive in what we say, what further invitations are made and how long we share in conversation with them.  It is highly unlikely that a guest will leave with a bad impression of our church if they are politely spoken to.  However, it is highly likely that they will leave with a bad impression if they are not spoken to at all.

When we are able to overcome these misconceptions we are able to offer hospitality to guests that reflect the hospitality that Jesus shows to people.  A key message of Jesus’ ministry was the radically inclusive nature of his kingdom.  Paul picks this up when he writes, “there is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, neither male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Gal 3:28).  We welcome and include guests because this is the church of Christ, to whom all belong.

What then are some of the fundamentals of welcoming?  These could include things like:

·        Warmly and genuinely greet all people, remember to introduce yourself;

·        Invite them to record their names and addresses in the visitor’s book;

·        Offer guests a welcome pack (found underneath the information desk);

·        Engage them in conversation, asking them questions about themselves, without looking as though you’re interrogating them;

·        Introduce guests to other people;

·        Introduce them to Harlee, Wendy and myself;

·        Offer them morning tea (if you’re at one of the morning services);

·        Ask if they’d like any further information about the church;

·        Invite them to come back the following week, and then when they do, follow them up.

These are some simple suggestions.  It may not be possible to do all of them.  Allow the guest to guide the pace and format of the conversation.