5 TIPS ON HOW YOU CAN HELP US BE A MORE WELCOMING CHURCH COMMUNITY

Last week, I shared "5 tips on how YOU can help us be a more welcoming church" with our CONNECT: Family & Friends group. It's such good stuff, I thought I would post it on our parents blog for anyone to view or share. Feel free to do so.

We don't do a terrible job at community. In fact, I often have people tell us about how blown away they are at how welcomed and at home they feel at Arlington Woods. But, the simple truth is that it's VERY TEMPTING to only sit with the people you know, to only talk to the people you know, and to never walk across the room to be a friendly face to somebody new. Have you ever been in a room full of people but felt completely alone- that no one would miss you if you were gone? It's a terrible feeling. We don't want any kids, teens, or adults to EVER feel that way when they're a part of something at Arlington Woods.

In Matthew 5, Jesus spoke in the Sermon on the Mount about the importance of loving others. He emphasizes that "loving others" doesn't mean just loving people who love you back, but even loving your enemies! He goes on to say in Matthew 5:47- "If you greet/welcome only your friends, what’s so great about that? Don’t even unbelievers do that?" That's a pretty big challenge. Jesus expects us not to just be welcoming and friendly to people we know, but also to the outsider. To someone who isn't yet known.

In Matthew 25:35-36, Jesus has some super awesome things to say to some believers: "When I was hungry, you gave me something to eat, and when I was thirsty, you gave me something to drink. When I was a stranger, you welcomed me, and when I was naked, you gave me clothes to wear. When I was sick, you took care of me, and when I was in jail, you visited me.”

Are you welcoming to those who are "strangers"- people you don't yet know? Are you hospitable? Often times we think this passage is talking about how we treat homeless people (who literally have no home), but we need to remember that guests on a Sunday or a church event might also be "homeless" in the sense that they are looking to be a part of a loving, caring, community. They want to feel welcome and valued. If they leave not feeling that, the odds of them ever coming back are slim to none.

To continue to be a warm, friendly, and welcoming church, it takes a bit of effort and work on our part. It means stepping outside our comfort zones. Here are 5 simple tips that I DARE you to try out this (and every) Sunday.

1. OPEN YOUR EYES

Before you stop and chat with the people you know, look to see if there's anyone who you don't know at the church. That might mean a brand new person, or someone who has attended for years but you don't really know.

2. WALK ACROSS THE ROOM

Make it your mission to welcome that new person you see before you get caught in a conversation with your usual circle of friends. This is tough because the person you talk to might not be the best conversationalist or might be an introvert, but Jesus wants us to welcome those people too! Please don't assume that someone else will welcome them. That "someone else" is YOU!

3. REMEMBER THEIR NAMES 

Make an effort to remember that person's name! I'm horrible with names--and often times when I meet someone, I forget their name one minute into the conversation. Write it down! Think of a celebrity that shares that name or a rhyme to help you remember.

4. INTRODUCE THE PERSON TO YOUR CIRCLE 

Being hospitable doesn't mean that you have to manage the conversation on your own. Bring that person and introduce them to the people you know so that they can feel invited into community and get to know others. It's such a SIMPLE way to help people feel welcomed and valued. You can also introduce them to one of our pastors too!

5. LOOK OUT FOR THEM

In following weeks, look out for that person you met to welcome them back. Call them by name! Follow up with them! Introduce them to others! Invite them to sit with you! Get to know them better!