Lessons Learned From Pulpit-Supplying

At least twice a month I supply preach for churches, which means at least twice a month I'm a church visitor. I'm an extrovert and a pastor, so you'd think it'd be easy; but sometimes it isn't. Like other visitors, I often don't know where to go, which door to choose, or where to sit. I see people looking at me and wondering who I am. Most of the time the stares are innocent, but rarely are they followed up with a greeting.

I don't so much care about Katie getting lost or Katie not being greeted, but I do care about those who've shown up to worship for the first time in awhile (or ever). They are visiting with family, or maybe they're curious about faith. Is Christianity is what they've heard it is (for better or worse)? Maybe a personal crisis brought them back. Maybe they want community. Whatever the reason, they've showed up, so we (the church) have got to bend over backwards to make them feel at home.

This doesn't mean to attack them with weirdness. BE COOL, EVERYONE.

It's not easy being a visitor, which is why I want to celebrate the church where I preached on Sunday. Here's a list of what they did well:

• The Deacon Chair was there to greet me upon my arrival. It was easy to know where to go and what to do, because she was ready for me. Is your church ready for visitors (in person and online)?

• The Deacon Chair introduced me to the worship pastor and worship leaders. Do you seek out visitors and introduce them to others?

• A dad with his young son sat in the back. The dad was baptized last week and was grinning from ear to ear. It was easy to see how the church made him feel at home. Do you make people new to your church feel at home?

• Women and men were leading in every aspect of worship. (Also, don't assume small and/or rural churches are led only by men.)

• After the service, they sought to connect with me. One senior adult showed me his Nationals socks. Another couple talked about living in DC.

• I was immediately invited to lunch with a group of 6 seniors (Boomer, Silent, and Greatest Generation!). They shared about their lives and asked me about mine. Do you welcome people to your table? Invite newcomers to lunch with you? This is a huge deal. Welcoming people to your table is not only fun; it's biblical! Why have we gotten out of the habit?

Which steps forward will you take?

Shout out to this awesome church. May their tribe increase.

PS: Post a greeter in the parking lot (if you haven't already). We truly don't know which of the 12 doors to enter.