Ministers Desk 16th March 2014

Our God is a God who welcomes all people into relationship with him.  A very visible expression of that welcome is when we as God’s church welcome people into the fellowship of our congregation.  The warmth of our welcome and the speed with which we include people proclaims the grace of God that is available to all.  We all want to welcome guests to our church, yet I know that for some of us we are uncomfortable knowing what to do.  Here are a few suggestions on what each of us could do to welcome guests in our worship service.
 

Remember that when a guest comes to our church, that they are venturing into unfamiliar territory.  As people who are comfortable in our surroundings, we should seek to help guests feel relaxed as possible.

 

If you see someone you don’t know, and they are by themselves, speak to them.  Most people coming to a church service appreciate, and even expect, to be greeted.  If all around them other people are talking and interacting, and they are being ignored, they will feel unwelcomed.  When speaking to someone, show through your facial expressions and words that you are pleased to meet them.

 

When speaking to someone new, find out their name.  My practice is simply to tell them my name and if they don’t tell me there’s I ask them.  Once you’ve been told their name, use it in the conversation a couple of times.  Saying it out loud will help you remember it.

Have a genuine conversation that shows interest in the other person.  You could ask them about their family, where they live, what they do for work and recreation and what they would like to do.  Do this in a natural way without appearing as though you are interrogating them.  If you find an area of common interest that’s great, pursue that conversation.

 

Introduce them to other members of the congregation.  By doing this you will increase the chances of them finding someone that they can relate to and the anonymous sea of faces is broken down and is replaced by individuals.  Also remember that there is more benefit in guests meeting members of the congregation, than in meeting members of the ministry team.  Most people will think that it is our job to be interested in them.  They are more likely to return if they meet and interact with other members of the congregation.

 

Invite guests and their families to our groups and activities.  The information desk has lots of information about the different engage and explore groups that we have.  Give them a copy and explain what we have on offer.  If they show interest in a group, introduce them to a leader or member, if they’re available.  If they’re not, make the offer that you will contact the leader and ask the leader to contact the guest.

 

Welcoming guests is an expression of the grace that God shows to us.  “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares” (Hebrews 13:2).