Welcome Or Not?by Dale Harcombe | More from this Blogger 14 Jul 2008 04:29 PM Have you ever been to a church where you sat through the service and then left feeling you were not welcome - because nobody took the time to speak to you? I've been to some churches like that. Sadly churches like this stick in the memory. I've also been to others when they have welcomed me with smiles and friendly conversations. I remember those churches too - for far different reasons. Recently I was talking to a young woman. Part of her job involves going around to various churches telling them about the work she is doing in teaching the Bible to students in schools. She is usually interviewed by the minister about her work and asked for any points people can pray about or ways they can support her. Sadly one of the very basic areas where they could support her is being neglected. Even though she stays around after the service so people can talk to her or ask her questions about her work, too often she is left standing alone and people make no effort to engage her in conversation. Interestingly it seems more of an age group problem. She is in her mid 20s and finds mostly people in the 35-55 age group show most friendliness and make an effort to make her feel welcome. Often the older members of the congregation make no effort. Surprisingly, neither do the people around her own age. Another young woman I know went through a similar experience. For months she attended a church and though the teaching was good, she found it extremely unfriendly. People did not take the time to talk and to get to know her. What a sad indictment on our churches if people can walk out feeling they may as well been invisible. Our church has a small group of people who are designated welcomers who greet each person at the door. However it does not rely solely on these welcomers to do the job but on each person in the congregation. Apart from the strong emphasis on biblical teaching, one of the other positives when we were looking for a church was the welcome we received. I'd like to think it is also one of the reasons that along with biblical teaching and great music, keeps people coming back to our church. How about your church? Is it a welcoming church? Or a people left sitting or standing on their own while you talk to your friends? Please visit these related links Learn more about Dale Harcombe  Dale has a passion for books and writing. She writes in various forms, from articles to poetry to fiction for children and adults. Relevantchristian tags User Comments gigglesbarb (305) 16 Jul 2008 12:30 PMWe have been members at a local baptist church for nearly 20 years. We joined the church when it was still new (3 yrs old). The people were great everyone was very friendly and quickly made us feel apart of the family. However, in recent years things have really changed. Now the music, worship and fellowship has all become dead. Please pray for us as our family begins the process of finding a new church this fall.  Dale Harcombe (10373) 16 Jul 2008 07:50 PMHaving been through the experience in the past, I know it's not easy, particularly when you have been at one church a long time. I will definitely pray that God shows you exactly the right place where He wants you. This is what he has done with us and our move. You might like to have a look at http://christian.families.com/blog/finding-the-right-church-part-1 and http://christian.families.com/blog/finding-the-right-church-part-2, God's blessing on you in your search. Community Tags church, communication, friendly or unfriendly?, service, welcome Discuss this article
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