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
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