.jpg)
Our recent Wednesday night session on How to Be a More Welcoming Church was insightful and gave us some food for thought. For our devotional guide this week, spend some time thinking through the following:
Attitude—Do I display a positive attitude about our church and all that God is doing here and thus come across as welcoming? Consider what Thom Rainer wrote: “The welcoming church is more of an attitude than disposition. It represents the mindset of an outward focus rather than an inward focus. It is about serving rather than being served.” Consider Philippians 2:3, 14.
Arrival—Do I arrive early to Sunday School and the worship service to welcome guests? Few things are more discouraging to guests than arriving 15 minutes before the start of Sunday School (which guests often do to make sure they find where to go) only to enter an empty classroom. This happens more often than we probably realize. Consider Romans 15:7.
Assistance—Do I offer assistance to guests? Am I quick to notice if someone is looking around for something? The Golden Rule reminds us to treat others how we would want to be treated. It is a real act of love to help those who appear to need something. Consider Matthew 7:12.