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A speech by President Trump to mark the 400th anniversary of America’s first legislative assembly was boycotted by several black lawmake...
A speech by President Trump to mark the 400th anniversary of America’s first legislative assembly was boycotted by several black lawmakers on Tuesday, as the controversy over Trump’s comments about African-American figures showed no sign of abating.
Welcoming Guests at Church
Church planters pray and plan for a lot of things when they start a new church. Things like location, facilities, equipment, finances, messages and so forth are an important part of the work. But I believe often times there is one thing that may go unnoticed and that is considering how to welcome guests. I like to call those that come to weekly services guests rather than visitors because to me it sounds more personable. And when I say guests, I’m referring to people who randomly show up because someone either invited them or they found out about the church through some form of outreach. Sometimes this group of people can be missed out in the praying and planning stages of a new church. In some regards the praying and planning focuses on those who will come to church, but in most cases the focus is on those who have already shown an interest in coming.
When it comes to the church, I believe God expects us to welcome in guests that we do not know. I mean if you are going to reach those in your community for Christ, it’s going to take an intentional effort with each guest. You will need to help those who come to your worship services, realize you are really glad they came. This means you need to truly have what I call a welcoming spirit. Here are a few things I’m learning about helping your guests feel welcomed and included when they come to your weekly services.
RIGHTS ACTIONS
A “Welcoming Spirit” intentionally HELPS guests when they show up. People with a welcoming spirit know that guests don’t know anything about the church and in some cases don’t know anybody at the church. So people with a welcoming spirit help guests by approaching them with a smile or a handshake. They help by explaining how things work at the church and they spend time introducing guests to people in the church. This can happen before worship starts or during the formal meet and greet if you have one. So long as your guests are greeted by you and the members of the church.
RIGHT ATTITUDE
A “Welcoming Spirit” TREATS guests like they are members of the church. People with a welcoming spirit don’t keep the “non-member” at a distance but rather they invite the guest to be a part of life with the church. See a welcoming spirit invites guests to hang out for breakfast after worship. They invite guests who show up to come with them to small group. A welcoming spirit even invites the guest to come hang out at Wingstop, Starbucks or maybe even to watch a ballgame. See a “Welcoming Spirit” invites those that are guests to be part of their life no differently than they would a member of the church. Having the right attitude will go a long way with your guests. It will also help them return. Now don’t get me wrong. I’m not a guy who concentrates on numbers, but I am the guy who concentrates on making disciples. And in order to do that you need guests who return.
RIGHT AIM
A “Welcoming Spirit” FEELS a certain way about guests that show up. It’s a genuine feeling of care and concern that wants the best for them. People with a welcoming spirit truly have a “love thy neighbor” feeling toward guests. This feeling is expressed in being sensitive to the potential needs of every guest who shows up. I mean if a guest comes in discouraged a “Welcoming Spirit” does what it can to lift the person up. Just an encouraging word can do a lot for someone. A welcoming spirit also prays for and even with guests that show up. Everybody needs prayer and sometimes simply asking a guest during prayer time if you can pray with them let’s the guest know they are welcomed and included. After all, Jesus told us to love others as ourselves.
I hope these ideas will help you be more welcoming to your guests at church. Reading Leviticus 19:33-34 has helped me learn how to reach those who enter the church doors for the first time. Read it when you can. Also, if you find yourself in Sachse, Texas please feel free to stop by Vibrant Life Baptist Church. I would love to introduce you to some wonderful people who are in love with Jesus. You can find more information about VLBC on Facebook @vibrantlifebc and on the web at vibrantlifebc.org. We would love to meet you and your entire family. So consider yourself invited and we will see you @ Church.
Have a blessed day.
Virgo+Libra compatibility
The love match of a Virgo and a Libra may not work out too smoothly. The main reason for this is that they have different natures as well as different temperaments. A Libran loves socializing with people, talking for hours at end and knowing about other people's experiences. He never judges people and has no problem in accepting their contrary viewpoints. A Virgo stands on the other extreme, where he does not like socializing too much, is highly critical of the people around him and cannot accept flawed opinion. To a Virgo, a Libra may come across as indecisive and irresolute. The latter may view the former as too stuffy and narrow-minded. But if they make conscious efforts, they can easily turn the clashing traits into balancing qualities. As far as the similarities between Virgo and Libra zodiac signs is concerned, both seek some degree of perfection. At the emotional level, this relationship may face compatibility problems. However, since a Libran loves to achieve balance, it is possible that he may escape the critical gaze of a Virgo. Virgo Man and Libra Woman The relationship of a Virgo man and a Libra woman does not have great chances of success. One of the main reasons is that they have totally different outlook towards life. He thinks from the head, while she thinks from the heart. She is very loving and caring and expresses her affection too. But, he is very reserved and most of the times, keeps his emotions under control. Even his habit of expecting perfectionism is bound to piss her off. Nonetheless, if she manages to overturn his pessimism with her optimism, this zodiac match can definitely succeed. Virgo Woman and Libra Man There is no guarantee of compatibility in the love match of a Virgo woman and a Libra man. Her practicality is most likely to clash with his emotional approach towards everything in life. He is a little indecisive too and that will bother her quite a lot. She is too negative about most of the things, loves to worry and tries to find faults in almost everything and this is going to drive him nuts. The only way to make this relationship work is to accept each other's viewpoints, bend a little and have lots of communication.
