Home / Ministries / Community Connections / Leadership Development

Leadership Development

First ImpressionsEvangelismWho are Our Neighbors?

Thought I’d pass on some excerpts from an article on “Welcoming Guests.” It offers some very practical ways you can make a difference. It was written by Diana Davis, author, speaker and wife of the North American Mission Board’s vice president for the mid-west region, Steve Davis.

A tattoo artist, a CEO, and a homeless guy walk into your church’s worship service … No, that’s not the first line of a joke. It could become a weekly reality. Thousands of churches plan events, with the purpose of inviting their community to church. But when those strangers walk into church, will they receive a warm welcome? How can a church assure that outsiders are accepted?

The answer is spelled with just three letters: Y-O-U.

Yes, you – the normal Christian person sitting in the pew on Sunday morning. It’s nice when the greeter at the door says hello, and it’s great if the pastor or church leaders have a moment to speak to guests, but what really makes a difference is when you offer a sincere hand of friendship to a guest.

Will you make an effort to welcome every guest who sits near you during worship? Try this strategy:

Make a specific commitment. Look at your church layout and select an area, such as a section of seats, or three pews nearest you. Make a personal commitment to God to welcome anyone who sits in that area. Don’t fret if others greet them; no one complains about being over-welcomed.

Say a silent prayer as you enter church every Sunday. Ask God to direct you to those who need a welcome and to give you boldness to show His love to them.

Just say “hello.” Speak to each person who sits in that area. A simple “Hi, Teresa” can mean the world, even to regular attenders. Watch for ways to encourage them.

Keep an index card in your Bible. Take notes on your smart phone. You’ll discover that many people sit in the same general area, and you’ll soon be calling them by name. This also makes it easier to recognize guests.

Intentionally watch for visitors. It’s difficult to be a first-time guest, but just one willing person — that’s you — can help put them at ease. Sit beside or in front of the guest. Introduce yourself, and repeat his name in conversation. Write it on your index card or make a note on your smart phone. Make a goal to call him by name when he returns. Tell him you’re glad he came.

Introduce the guest to at least two other people before she leaves. For example, help a young mother meet another mom, then escort her to meet the pastor.

Offer a “next step.” Invite the guest to your small group, Bible study or an upcoming church fellowship event. Write down details for the guest.

Offer friendship. Give them your personal contact info, and encourage the guest to email or call with questions. Invite her to join you after church for lunch or for coffee one day this week. Be sure to invite them to come again for worship next Sunday.

What would happen if the world began to walk into your church doors next Sunday? Would those guests be shunned or warmly embraced? The answer is in your hands.

You thought the first line of this was a joke, right? Instead, it’s the crux of the Gospel, the serious work of loving all people to Jesus. Will you begin this Sunday to make a resolution to welcome guests?

Click on the titles to open the videos.

Jon Randles - History and Theology of Evangelism

Topics include:

“People don’t make any kind of life changing decision unless they are in pain.”
Explains how the pendulum has swung from one end of the spectrum to the other starting with the 1920′s up to the 2000′s
Explains why the 30 year old and under crowd are “hungry for moral absolutes, teamwork, and hungry to join something that will change their lives.”
You have to be intentional, relational, and hold an event.

Find out more about Jon Randles.

Scott Willingham - What is the Gospel?

Topics include:

What is the Good News?

Who are our neighbors? What do they believe? What is their culture like? How can I interact with them?

We’ve all wondered things like this from time to time. As we set out to be more intentional the next 10 years in being a blessing to the nations it is important for us to be informed about the people God has placed right here in our neighborhoods. Community Connections has captured these series of monthly seminars led by experts in the particular topic of the day.

Hinduism

Led by Pancho and Robbi Francovich