A Moment With Pastor Fred
Is HBC a friendly church? It is our desire for us to demonstrate God’s love to our guests, Rom 12:11-13. We must seek and pursue friendliness.
Suggestions? Approach those you might not know and introduce yourself. “Hi, I’m ____. How long have you been coming to church here?” Remember those visiting might naturally feel a little uncomfortable, so take that into consideration. Don’t pepper them with a dozen questions. Be sincere, be warm and engaging. Smile. Guests feel welcome when they see people smiling. Offer assistance – restrooms, drinking foundation, nurseries, etc. Invite them to sit with you. Make room for guests in your row if possible. Guests feel awkward when they have to walk all the way to the front because they cannot find a place to sit, especially if they are a bit late. Enjoy your fellowship with friends here but always keep an eye open for guests that need you to speak to them first.
Thom Rainer has consulted churches over the years. He discovered guests return for a 2nd visit much more often to churches who are genuinely friendly. What did he discover? We must be intentional. Beware of an inward focus. How many times have I visited a church where no one spoke to me! Genuine friendliness is more than a brief stand-and-greet-each-other-time. Visitors usually decide whether to return 5 minutes after walking into the church. That means we must arrive early to be an unofficial greeter. Yes, our preaching must be biblical. Our singing must be worshipful. Our building must be clean. But we cannot overestimate the value of a truly friendly church. That begins with each of us.