I hope you will go back and read part 1 and part 2 if you
have not already as they are important to building the story. The last part I
left you with was a cliffhanger as our person was just getting ready to attend worship
for the first time. Let's pick it up right there…
Sunday came and they
found themselves going to church. There was no small amount of anticipation and
even fear as they arrived. When they
walked in it felt like another planet but a good planet nonetheless. They
saw a families interacting in a healthy way, friendly people welcoming them and
something else good they couldn't quite describe.
This was a totally different environment but one that was
incredibly attractive. Much of the fear was still there but that was also an
undeniable comfort to this place and this people. This was wanted and in fact
needed, by this individual.
Then came the question: would you like to stay for lunch?
Because, of course, there was a carry-in that day (strategic move-I think so,
but… ). The question was asked with an out as well and this is very important.
With all seriousness the landlord offered a way out, a ride home, if the person
wanted to go. They had agreed to worship and that's it. This is an act of
respect and integrity-and creep proofs the experience.
Though the option was considered and I believe appreciated,
they opted to stay. This is how a whole new chapter of this person's life began!
We will dig into that in the next part of the story. For now I would just like
you to consider how different the church experience is, or I should say, should
be to the experience of being in the world.
This person encountered healthy families and it was
noticeable. They encountered a welcoming environment and was embraced
emotionally. I'm terribly afraid and
much of the world is not a welcoming place and healthy families are not the
norm. What we can hopefully find and culture in the church environment is that
warm and healthy place that relationships can grow.
We must never forget the reason that happens it is the
unseen but ever-present person and work of the Holy Spirit that draws people
into the church and ultimately to Jesus himself. This was a huge win for the church to have a
person walk in and experience what they did. It was a miracle. Here’s the best part: I've seen it happen
over and over again. In fact, I've seen this exact situation play out multiple
times just with different people at our church.
While this indeed is a huge win there is a twist to the
story which will come in the next part so I hope you'll read that when it comes
out. But for now I would really like you
to deeply consider this: Are you making our Sunday morning worship experience a
warm and welcoming place for people who may be coming in for the first time?
The observation of this person was that numerous people
welcomed them and made them feel at home,
not just the person who invited them. All I would ask is that if someone
shows up at SMC and you don't know them, but you noticed them, I believe God is prompting you to walk
across the room and say hello.
All you need to say is: I'm glad you're here, share your
name ask them theirs. If nothing else beyond
is said, just say you hope you'll see them come back (then as quickly as you
can write down their name before you go home). Say a prayer for that person
that day, that they would feel the love of Jesus in our church. If you do that you will have just invited
someone to begin to live the saved life, and in that way you can say to
yourself mission accomplished!
Comments
Post a Comment