IMPRESSING VISITORS

Frequently, we have visitors in our services.  We (individually and collectively) make an impression upon them.  That impression either a good one or a bad one.  In fact, if it is not a good impression; it is a bad one.  There is no such thing as a neutral impression. Most visitors will have an opportunity to return.  What kind of impression do we make on them?

The first impression they  have of us is when they arrive and enter our building.  Do they see that the building is clean and well kept both inside and out? If you see a piece of paper or trash on the ground or on the floor, do you pick it up?  Are you willing to help keep our building and grounds clean, or do you expect “someone else” to do it?  How a congregation treats its buildings and grounds is usually a reflection of how they view the church.

How many people notice them and make a point to greet them makes another impression.  Everyone should greet our visitors; but if you are assigned as a Greeter on a particular Sunday, do you fulfill your assignment and serve cheerfully? Does anyone offer to help to find the proper classes or the other facilities?  Do we invite them to sit with us during the class period or worship services?

When the singing starts, is it slow and dragging with very little volume with many members not singing at all? — or is it a joyful outpouring from hearts filled with gratitude and love for God who has blessed us so richly?

Do they see people who are alert and interested in what is being said and done, or do they see those who are sleepy, inattentive, and daydreaming?  Are they distracted by whispering, giggling, writing of notes and other distracting activity?

Do they see people dressed as casually as if they were at a ball game or some sporting function?  Is the “flesh on parade” as they see the short skirts and plunging necklines that are so characteristic of the world today?

Do they see people dragging in late?  Do they see a constant stream of people getting up to go to the water fountain or the restroom?  Do they see a mad dash for the door and a quick emptying of the building as soon as the final “amen” is said to the dismissal prayer?

Nowhere is it more apparent that we should let our light so shine before men that others may see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven then when we are in the worship services of the church.  What do visitors see? More importantly, what does God, before whom our worship is offered see?  Think about it!

By Richard Guill - Main St. Church of Christ, Milan, TN