“Better is a single day in your courtyards than a thousand days anywhere else! I would prefer to stand outside the entrance of my God’s house than live comfortably in the tents of the wicked!” Psalm 84:10
As Christians, we have experienced a God inspired welcome that is hard to describe.
In some ways, we are like the tax collector, Zacchaeus who was up in the sycamore tree hoping he’d see a quick glance of Jesus (Luke 19:1-9). Each of us knows we have shortcomings and may sometimes struggle to do what is right. So we too go up a tree trying not to be noticed yet hope that someone will see that we can use some assistance too. There becomes a time though when we get noticed and included with the extraordinary welcome of Jesus Christ.
The way that we welcome people at our three Sunday worship services is incredibly important. When we greet people with genuine warmth we are expressing to them that they are important and that we are pleased that they are part of our church and by extension part of the kingdom of God. This is true for the people who are existing members of our congregation and even more important for those who are guests and newcomers. When we create an atmosphere of hospitality and inclusion we continue people’s preparation for worship and deepen their sense of community and connectedness with fellow worshippers.
We live in a world that is becoming more and more disconnected and isolated. Many of our interactions with others take place anonymously without any real sense of personal connection. The church is one place where we can, and should, withstand this growing trend. Each one of us have the capacity and the task to make personal connections with others on Sunday. This can be as simple as providing a friendly smile, warm greeting and handshake that communicates to another person that they are welcome. Experiencing God’s love through people’s actions and the entire experience can be just as meaningful or more so to someone than anything that may be said during a worship service.
This is particularly important when it comes to greeting guests in our services. Already they are in unfamiliar territory and are feeling exposed and uncomfortable. As regular worshippers here it is our responsibility to remove any obstacles that may prevent these people from finding a spiritual home in this congregation. Our congregation’s purpose is Growing Disciples who Exalt, Explore, Embody, Engage. This is an invitation to journey deeper into life in God. Welcomers play an important role in helping people see the delight that God takes when his people enter his building of praise.
Grace and peace
David Fender
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