Welcoming

Dear friends in Christ, and His children through the cross,

“Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:25 NIV)

Just a few weeks ago, we celebrated the festival of Pentecost, which commemorates the day that the Holy Spirit was given to Jesus disciples after He had ascended to Heaven. From that Sunday forward, Christians have continually met to hear Jesus’ words, receive the Lord’s Supper, and pray. In the words above from Hebrews, the Bible clearly instructs Christians to keep on meeting together—even today.

However, we know that there are many in our congregation who have not been as consistent as they should in attending services, going months, or even years between services attended. All of us know that they need to be here, and we know that we should be active in reminding them. But how? Hebrews tells us: “Encourage one another.” Condemnation, judgment, or ridicule will only drive them further from the Lord and this congregation. There is a time to “get tough” with those who refuse to attend, but you can leave that part to your pastor and elders. Instead, encourage them by reminding them what God offers here for them and that we would love to see them more often.

Now, when they do come, or when you are surprised to see someone in church who hasn’t been here in a while, how do you respond? Is that an uncomfortable moment for you? Let me give a couple of examples, with translation:

If you say: “….” (nothing)
They hear: “Nobody here really knows me. Do they care about me or whether I come to church?”

If you say: “Hey, maybe you should sign the guestbook.” (even as a joke)
They hear: “I am not really a part of this congregation. My presence is not valued and I am not respected.”

What would be an alternative way to welcome long-absent members of the congregation back when they return? Every church should frequently ask itself… How can we encourage one another as fellow Christians to faithfully hear God’s Word and consistently meet together? Have we set up obstacles which keep people away from God’s house? If so, what can we do to remove them?

[St. John's Messenger, July 2009]