Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
The summer season is upon us. Even though the price of gasoline is high, many people will come to our area for vacation and recreation. Though most will probably pass through, some may stop for a visit in our community and may even worship with us on a Sunday.
Whether you encounter visitors in our community or in our worship service, it is imperative that you provide a warm welcome and give the gift of hospitality. In I Peter 4:9-10, we read, "Be hospitable to one another without complaining. Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received."
Those who study and write about the church agree that many visitors begin to form an opinion about the church the moment they enter the parking lot. The most lasting impression made on them is by the people they encounter as they enter the building. We may be amused by the greeters at the entrance of Walmart, but the business world has learned something valuable and we can benefit from it. Greeters at our entrances are important and the welcome they offer is even more important.
Once inside our building, our ministry is to make visitors feel welcome and meet their needs. Speak to them, (don't ignore them or continue you're conversation with a friend), look them in they eye and ask their names, try to remember names and use them.  Introduce yourself by name. Inquire about them and be helpful to them. Thank them for worshiping with us, invite them to return, introduce them to others. Be positive and enthusiastic about our church and its ministry, about our community. Visitors do not want or need to hear complaints about our building, ministry, staff, and people.
The ministry of hospitality and welcome is a wonderful challenge and opportunity. We represent Christ, we offer Christ in our living and in our ministry. We never know the ways we have helped visitors and made their time among us a blessing. I encourage you to be intentional about being hospitable, not just in these summer months, but each day.
In Christian love and peace,
Don Rising