Today we visited a church. While it’s not unusual for me to visit a church – indeed it is something I have been very busy doing over the last few months where I have been a visiting preacher – it is unusual for me to just visit a church without being invited.
Today, that is just what we did.
And so I want to share with you what I have learned today.
Welcome
When you see someone in your church for the first time, please don't just say ‘hi’ and walk past. Shake a hand, introduce yourself, ask for a name, and begin a conversation. Make me feel welcome. Anyone can do this. ANYONE! So don't leave it to the pastor or the elders. You can talk to new people. So do it. Please.
Explain
This one probably is up to the pastor, or the “worship leader”. The visitors in your church might be familiar with church life and how church services happen, but I don't know what happens in your church service. So take a moment to explain. Do we stand to sing? Then tell me. Is the offering happening? Let me know before the collection plate is being handed around.
It will help your visitors and the regular attenders won't mind.
Communion
Again, different churches will handle communion in slightly different ways. That’s ok. But please take a moment to explain a few things. Like what this is about. What is the significance of the bread and the cup? Don't assume that everyone knows what you know.
Who can take communion? If this church only shares this with church members, let me know. I won't be offended (though I think you will find it hard to justify that attitude biblically). Are you ok with children taking communion? Please save me the embarrassment of reaching for the bread and cup if it's going to be a problem.
Also, and I was confronted with this today, is the bread gluten free? And are you using grape juice or real wine?
Morning tea
The service concludes, and a general invitation is given from the microphone to stay for morning tea. This is good. But here’s something to remember – that invitation doesn't mean a whole lot. The invitation that matters is the one that is given personally, the invitation that you give to me to come and stay for a while.
This is NOT the job of the pastor. This is something that anyone can do. Even you.
Please don't think I am being critical of the church we visited today. That is not my goal. My goal is to remind all of us who attend the church that we need to keep an eye out for those who are there for the first time.
