The Crucial 'Hello'

 Hello Church,

There is a short list of church matters that I rivet my eyes upon--that I pay extreme attention toward every time we have a worship service or ministry event....

The Crucial Hello is on that list.

Few things break my heart more than a visitor who doesn't feel welcomed.  It isn't always intentional.  It is rarely intentional, but that is my point.  Welcoming others should never be accidental.  It should be intentional.  It is the front end of ministry that can be tragic for the rest of a church's ministry if hospitality isn't an intentional priority.

A first-time visitor decides in the first 20 minutes whether they are returning or not.  This does not include the sermon, prayer time or even the music.  This does include the parking conditions, the landscaping, the greeter, the lobby, the ushers, the bulletin and the general look of the environment.  It does include the people who sit around them and how they do or do not say 'hello'.  This does include the liturgist and/or Pastor who looks like they want to be there.

The Crucial Hello is the intentional attempt to help another genuinely feel welcomed.  It is the authentic expression of being glad they decided to visit.  It is what leads to a return visit and a new worship attender.  It is what leads to other things like baptism, communion, membership and new friends.  These things rarely happen without the Crucial Hello.

So be on the look-out.  Put a smile on your face as if you are glad Jesus loves you.  Welcome others as if you want them to know Jesus loves them.  You might be the reason they come back.  

God is Good,

Pastor Joe