WELCOMING OTHERS

Being with people energizes me!  My personality thrives on interacting with others and maintaining relationships.  One of my many areas of joy is greeting people at church on Sundays.   There are about 350 people that I say “Hello, good to see you” each week.  I am full and quite satisfied by the time the worship service begins. 

There are a variety of reasons I personally feel that welcoming others is such an important ministry, in fact I’d even say critical.

Over the years, God has directed my husband and me to many places, and we’ve been to churches where a person can enter and exit without ever having had any personal contact – verbally or visually – with anyone

We are naturally drawn to those we know and feel comfortable with, regardless of the social setting.  For me, welcoming others takes me out of my comfort zone and puts me in front of others into the “moment of relational love” on behalf of the Lord Jesus at our church’s front doors.

God often encourages me to “leave yourself in the car” and “represent Me” to every heart coming through those doors.

Each handshake can be a prayer for that person.  I notice that many people will momentarily linger for a warm handshake, a smile or a hug.  Our welcoming actions create a compelling environment to help people grow closer and deeper in their love and knowledge of Jesus Christ; and help them “be a tangible expression of Christ.” 

By greeting individuals we experience tremendous joy, because we have an opportunity to express to each one that they are “significant to God.”  If they have already been touched by God’s love and acceptance before they sit down in the sanctuary, they will be far more receptive to the message.  

I’ve enjoyed and treasure this outreach in many ways over the years, but there are two incidents that are forever etched in my memory.

I woke up one Sunday morning in a not too good frame of mind.  I just didn’t “feel like welcoming” that Sunday.  But, thanks to the Lord for working in my heart, I went anyway.  A widow arrived and as she approached me, I gave her a hug.  And then, prompted by God, pulled her close again for a longer embrace.  She looked at me and said: “Dianne, I needed that this morning.  You are the only one who touches me all week.”

Another Sunday morning encounter was with a vivacious man who always seemed to possess a smile and infectious laugh.  I saw him slowly approached the church from the parking lot.  His countenance was different this day.  From about fifteen feet away, another man took notice of him, and, “How are you?”  It only took a moment to realize that something very hurtful had happened in this man’s life.

Though busy trying to focus on welcoming the people still arriving, I quietly asked the Lord to show me how to tenderly greet this hurting soul who was about to enter the church.  Tears filled his eyes when I just asked him to tell me what was happening in his life.

His dear mother had died the previous afternoon.  He was with her when she went “home to be with the Lord.”   His grief overwhelmed him with sadness and tears.  I want to honor the privacy of our conversation, and I was simply able to put my arms around him and let him cry.  

He spoke for almost twenty-five minutes of his love for his mom, and the heart-felt grief he was experiencing.  I said very little.  After gaining some personal composure, he went into the sanctuary.  I shared that I would be praying for him.  Later that week I sent a small card with a note to let him know I cared.  I also enclosed a tea bag for him to enjoy, realizing that I cared about his loss and the painful journey he was walking through.

I’ve experienced loss, and I remember only too well that there are never adequate or appropriate words for such a time as this.  Instead, it’s our presence, and ability to listen that speak volumes to the grieving.

Through the coming weeks and months he began to heal and his face began showing joy again.  From that time on, our bond of friendship were renewed every Sunday morning as he entered the doors.  He often said that he would never forget the moments of tenderness that he experienced that memorable day.  Each time we see each other, he reminds me with his infectious laugh, of the tea bag enclosed in his card.  I never imagined that a tea bag would make someone laugh … but it did to him.

We never know the burdens, anxieties, cares and grief that can envelop each person we encounter daily.  It may a grocery store clerk, a moody waitress, or a rude government employee on the phone, or even at church where everyone seems to be “just fine” when you ask them how they are.   

These two experiences have allowed me to slow down and really listen when I meet someone and ask: “How are you?”  I’ve learned to wait for a moment or two because I want to know and hear to how they “really are.”

People may forget what you teach, they will never forget how you made them feel. William Buechner