Dear Friendly Church,
thank you for the friendly welcome since I literally set foot in the door. From the smiling greeters who insisted I sign in as a guest, to being constantly talked at since sitting down. But hear are a few items I wanted to share with you as a single person coming in alone to visit your church.
First, we are not all social misfits unable to make friends who rely on the intervention of strangers to socialize. I think most of us are well adjusted people who come to church to worship, pray, and to reflect on how to conduct our lives, as well as seeking grace from our Lord. Not everyone who enters wants constant attention, asked personal questions on their spiritual walk, and their testimony.
Granted, I appreciate the effort you put into it, and know their are some people on the other side of the spectrum that will never come back if they don't make personal friends with half the congregation. It's a noble goal to make people feel recognized and appreciated. It can be a delicate balance, and I know you need to grow as a church, so I suggest an even approach.
Last, let visitors set the agenda. Instead of seeing new people as potential members, try reading people as to what they want to do. People give off hints of when you are doing something uncomfortable. People want genuine friendship and conversation, not forced chatter from an usher because they are supposed to welcome someone from a list of instructions. Sometimes fellowship is best left for the coffee social after church or a small group, not during worship service.
thank you for the friendly welcome since I literally set foot in the door. From the smiling greeters who insisted I sign in as a guest, to being constantly talked at since sitting down. But hear are a few items I wanted to share with you as a single person coming in alone to visit your church.
First, we are not all social misfits unable to make friends who rely on the intervention of strangers to socialize. I think most of us are well adjusted people who come to church to worship, pray, and to reflect on how to conduct our lives, as well as seeking grace from our Lord. Not everyone who enters wants constant attention, asked personal questions on their spiritual walk, and their testimony.
Granted, I appreciate the effort you put into it, and know their are some people on the other side of the spectrum that will never come back if they don't make personal friends with half the congregation. It's a noble goal to make people feel recognized and appreciated. It can be a delicate balance, and I know you need to grow as a church, so I suggest an even approach.
Last, let visitors set the agenda. Instead of seeing new people as potential members, try reading people as to what they want to do. People give off hints of when you are doing something uncomfortable. People want genuine friendship and conversation, not forced chatter from an usher because they are supposed to welcome someone from a list of instructions. Sometimes fellowship is best left for the coffee social after church or a small group, not during worship service.
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