Saturday 23 September 2017

Surprised by Visitors

During the past week, I suddenly found two applications on my computer I was not expecting.  It is possible that these had been bundled with a programme I did want to download, but I can’t be sure.  However, while neither was malicious, they were a nuisance and had to go.  A few clicks later and a bit of patience and they had gone.  The experience made me remember something I had written for a couple of magazines about how we respond to visitors at church.

Often churches have the words “All Welcome” on their outside noticeboards, but it is rare to find a church that has a good strategy in place for welcoming visitors.  Indeed, out of the many hundreds of churches I have visited over the years, only two seemed to have such a strategy.  In both situations, I felt more like a guest than a visitor, and that is the first point I would like to make.

Occasionally, visitors turn up on my doorstep, a little like the programmes I suddenly found running on my computer this morning.  They are unexpected and I probably have little or no interest in the purpose of their visit.  On other occasions, I find a friend who I am pleased to welcome.  I invite them in and do my best to make them feel welcome.  If they are wearing a top coat I usually offer to take that and hang it up for them.  I ask whether they might like some refreshment.  If they have travelled some distance I will ensure they know where the bathroom is and put them at ease if they need it.

If we had been watching TV or listening to some music, we turn it off so that they can become the focus of our attention.  We offer them a comfortable seat in an appropriate position.  By now they know that I am pleased to see them.  After their visit has ended I usually tell them what a delight it has been and welcome a further visit in the future.

How do you welcome visitors to your home, and how does that compare with welcoming visitors to your church?  My best welcome was received in a well-attended Baptist Church in rural Herefordshire.  I was greeted at the door by a man and woman who clearly had skills in hospitality.  They recognised me as a ‘stranger’ and politely enquired whether I was on holiday in the area.  The enquiry was gentle so I did not feel I was being interrogated.  Once I had explained the reason for my visit (it was research and I already had permission to take photos during the service), I was encouraged to sign their visitors book.  One of the two then took me to the inner door, pointing out the facilities along the way and informing me about the nature of the service, and coffee afterwards.

A man was stationed at the inner door, giving out hymn books.  As we approached I saw him reach for an information leaflet.  I was introduced by name to this man, who was also informed of the reason for my visit.  He asked whether I preferred to sit upstairs or downstairs.  I opted for upstairs for the better view of a baptism that would take place.  As he left his position to lead me upstairs, I noticed another person quietly take his place.

Upstairs I was introduced, again by name, to a family who welcomed me to sit with them.  All the way through the process there were warm handshakes and lots of smiles.  It made me feel appreciated and included.  It was clear to me that I had experienced the consequence of a good strategy.  The hospitality continued through the refreshments afterwards.

What a contrast to a typical welcome to church that visitors receive.  An unfriendly handshake (perhaps) with a few books thrust into the hand, and left to wander to find an appropriate place to sit!

The subject of welcome is included in one of the seminars we run through Rural Mission Solutions.  There is a recording of the webinar on the website and a free download document about a better welcome.  You will find various other suggestions in it.  The video is far from the best we produce.  I plan to replace this with an improved version and to create a video talk specifically about welcome.  Meanwhile, if you would like to look at the video or to download the resources CLICK HERE.

I encourage people to think ‘guest’ rather than ‘visitor’, and ‘hospitality’ rather than ‘welcome’.  If you can create a strategy, please think about using people who are naturally hospitable and good at looking after guests.  Why not include this as a topic for your Church Meeting or PCC, or encourage a small team to draft suggestions?

But there is always the risk of an unwelcome visitor arriving at church.  Paedophiles see churches as providing opportunity for their activities.  Please do not be paranoid about this.  If you have a well-trained safeguarding person in your church then include them in the discussion and planning about how you respond to visitors.  If you have a safeguarding certificate or poster, it is good practice to have this prominently on display.  That usually will warn off that kind of unwanted visitor.  Keeping an eye on behaviour is important.  A good guest respects their hosts.  Just as you would be shocked to find a visitor rummaging through cupboards or entering rooms without permission, often an inappropriate visitor will give themselves away by their behaviour.

Your welcome strategy needs appropriate management elements.

As a final word on the topic, I point you to the verse in the Bible that God used to draw me to himself.  It is in John 6:37 where Jesus says that whoever comes to him he would never turn away.  I came to him more as a visitor, but he welcomed me as a guest, and we became good friends.

From the Diary
I am taking advantage of a relatively quieter time in the diary, to catch up on some administration and do some writing.

Please pray as I explore ways for promoting the work of Rural Mission Solutions and building up the team and support base.  One of the areas of concern is our work to help rural churches develop effective and appropriate programmes to help children come to faith, grow in faith and find their place within God’s mission.

Sunday 24th September Sunday Service at HMP Gartree, Leics.
Monday 25th School Assembly, Lubenham, Leics.
Tuesday 26th Regular work at HMP Gartree
Thursday 28th Country Way Editorial Board Meeting
Sunday 30th Joining others to plan an outreach project for a church in Northants.
Sunday 1st October – Congregational Federation East Midlands Area Autumn Assembly

Thank you for your prayers, support and encouragement.

Barry – 23rd September 2017