Grace Lutheran Church

How many times have you heard someone say their church is friendly? Have you ever asked them why they consider their church to be friendly? What makes a church friendly? Is it the smiles on everyone‘s face? Do they greet guest and visitors with a hearty, Hello upon entering?  Do they make special efforts to meet, greet, and make newcomers feel at home? Or is everyone visiting with each other and the newcomer is left standing in the corner by himself? These questions are important and every member of the church should answer them. The truth is that many churches see themselves as friendly; however, they are often perceived as cold and unfriendly by guest and visitors. Many in a congregation are friendly one to another, checking on the welfare and lives of their friends and family, while the guest or visitor slip out the door without the warm touch of a member other than the pastor. What is meant by the statement ?warm touch of a member?? Being friendly involves more than just the passing Hi, how are you?? It is in the heartfelt, enthusiastic grasping of a visitor or guests hand that true friendliness begins. It is the remembering of an individual‘s name that says they are important. It is your desire to introduce them to others that says you care. And last but far from the least, it is letting them know you appreciate them. It all begins with each of us taking the initiative to first pray for guest and visitors; secondly, to reach out our hand with enthusiasm and excitement while saying ?Hi, my name is ….;? and thirdly, giving thanks to God for the opportunity to share your joy, excitement, love, and enthusiasm for Jesus Christ with someone new. God‘s bless and keep you this week as you share the Good News with others.

Lay Deacon Aaron Hastings