I ran across this statement the other day: “Any church is a reflection of those who attend – their values and the love they communicate.”
Today I received an email from a member of our congregation which said, “Today, my husband and I were talking about the church and it reminded me of how much I liked yesterday and the church in general. We were greeters at one of the doors and the people all came in with smiles on their faces and acted like they were really glad to see you. We have been greeters at other churches and felt like people just bypassed us and didn’t even want to be bothered with “talking” with people. If I were a new Christian, I can certainly tell you that I would come back from what I perceive as a genuine friendliness of the church family.”
Wow! That was awesome to hear. And I do believe that most people who visit or attend Redeemer Church have this kind of experience. Our first-time guest surveys bear this out. But, unfortunately, there are a few people who visit and have the opposite reaction. One guest recently commented that they didn’t find the congregation particularly warm or welcoming. In fact, it was their perception that people congregated in groups before and after worship – chatting only with people they knew and didn’t notice a newcomer.
It is my sincere hope that everyone who comes through the door at Redeemer will experience the love and warmth of Christ in us. Redeemer is a reflection of every person who attends…and I trust that it is a place that gives evidence to the resurrection power of Jesus Christ. We want it to be a place where people find life and hope. After all, the church lives to transform the world or it’s not the church.
With a new Saturday night worship service starting September 11, we anticipate lots of newcomers checking out our congregation. Let us be reminded of the importance of getting outside of ourselves to welcome those who come. I like what Bill Easum (a Church Consultant) says:
“A church doesn’t have members; it has missionaries. A church doesn’t have an evangelism committee; it is evangelism. The church doesn’t have a missions committee; the church is missions. Period. All other forms of church are hospices and hospitals.”
Now that’s making it simple!
Rod
Thank you for the Bill Easum quote! I'm going to appropriate it for my sermon this Sunday. I'm preaching at family camp again this year.
ReplyDelete-Kim
The statement from the "Greeters" would have had more impact, if it has been made by a "visitor".
ReplyDeleteOn several occassions when we entered the church, the greeter(s) were talking to other members, and barely seemed to take notice of us.
One greeter seemed more interested in drinking his cup of coffee and talking to friends across the room, than to us. Also, when there are more than one greeter at the door, this can be intimidating and awkward. Having to shake up four different peoples hands is a bit taxing.
One older gentleman was wonderful in how he greeted people. He made eye contact, and was genuinely welcoming. He was refreshing!
Basing the status of the church on the perspective of the 'greeters' can be misleading.
As new people to the church, unfortunately we have had a similar experience as the other "newcomer":
"...they didn’t find the congregation particularly warm or welcoming. In fact, it was their perception that people congregated in groups before and after worship – chatting only with people they knew and didn’t notice a newcomer."
We are looking forward to attending the new Saturday night service, and hopefully finding a different atmosphere there. With the possibility of more new people, we can find an atmosphere where people are not so established in their relationships, and thus more open to getting to know one another.
We have enjoyed the music and the sermons, and don't wish to give up on the church, so we look forward to the new Saturday night service.