Interesting experience this past weekend. I went to visit my aunt and decided to be in worship Sunday morning. There was one specific church that was stuck in my head so that is where I decided to go.
Oh boy! What a lesson!! What a GIFT!
I walked in the door with my two boys and one of their cousins. I was greeted by smiles and someone walked me to the appropriate sign in place for the boys (it was a larger church). First impression: very friendly!
Drop boys off and make my way to the sanctuary. Sat on an aisle with no one in it but with people behind me and people in front of me. Aside from the usual curious glances from those people no one spoke and I really thought I would spend the entire service being the only person on the aisle.
Then a couple of people came by to shake my hand and tell me they were happy to have me. No one asked my name or showed any curiosity as to who I was or if I was looking for a church home or where I came from.
I felt lonely! People across the sanctuary were looking at me (okay, maybe not but that's what it felt like) and I was uncomfortable. It was nice those people came to speak to me but this is what I learned to put into practice at my own church...
Make small talk! Ask people where they are from. If they are alone ask to sit with them or ask if they would like to sit with you, especially if their entire row is empty!
Now the enemy begins his work.
I am uncomfortable and beginning to get offended because no one has "properly" spoken to me. Then came the dreaded "turn to someone next to you" moment. But not one person spoke to me. Apparently that is church speak for "talk to the one who brung ya".
Then the service starts. There is prayer and music begins to play and the most AMAZING realization happened in me!
I was NOT there for others to make me feel welcome. I came in search of the Living Water and the Bread of Life. And HE was pleased that I came. In fact, He took up my entire row! He filled the whole place!
As I lifted my hands and began to worship I realized I no longer cared if anyone spoke to me at all because I found the One my souls loves! My cares melted away in the Presence of the One who knows my every need and answers according to His riches. Church is about Him, not me!
Bottom line:
Church members - be on the lookout for new people, there is a spiritual battle going on in them and they may not even know it.
New people - know that people are people. We all fumble for words to say to make you welcome and some of us are just plain nervous. But know this...God is pleased with where you are and the best way to silence the enemy is to lift your hands and come into the Presence of the One who always welcomes you!
The most important thing to recognize about walking into a church building, whether it is your first time in years or you are at your church home, is this is an opportunity for worship. Whether or not we truly worship is up to us. Don't let the enemy steal away that joy by making the experience all about you. It should be all about Him!
"not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near." Hebrews 10:25
