What type of faith community are you looking for?
What type of faith community are you looking for?
This happens to be one of my favorite questions I ask to our new comers when I sit down and talk to prospective members. I phrase it a bit differently, “What are you looking for in a church?”
This summer sabbatical has allowed me to visit a variety of churches. I am amazed at my judgements about a church, from the smell, appearance, and conversations I over hear before worship even starts. Judgements. What is the bulletin like, are people friendly, do they recognize me as visitor, what is the age of the congregation, any kids around? So many things go through my mind as I sit trying to prepare for worship.
I realize I can over look lots of things on my first visit to a church, if they have a great coffee hour….only joking. If they have friendly people, who not only say “Hi”, but take the next step, “Are you new here?”, “Where are you from?”, “How did you hear about our church”, “Are you able to stay for coffee hour?”.
I can sense and I’m sure you can to, a community that is warm and welcoming. The one I have attended a few times is not even Lutheran, but they have a warmth and spirit that is attractive.
Let me be clear, its not the pastor who is warm and spiritual…it’s the people. People who take the initiative to welcome, invite, and converse. I’ve yet to talk to the pastor!
So, think about this and your role here at Christ Lutheran. You may not be into committee meetings, or baking goods for coffee hour, but I hope you challenge yourself not only to say “hi” to all your friends, but also to seek out someone you don’t know, or someone you have never seen, and take the risk to start a conversation.
I can tell you why some churches are dying…the members are not versed in hospitality and welcome.
Challenge yourself to get out of your comfort zone. It just might change someone’s life.