Have you ever considered what this congregation looks and feels like to someone visiting for the first time? Are we warm and welcoming, or are we cold and unfriendly? Are we hospitable and loving, or do we appear to lack these Christian qualities? Are we welcoming?
We need to be a congregation of the Lord’s church that worships “in spirit and truth” (John 4:23) and is fully committed to God’s word. We also need to be a warm and welcoming congregation. Peter wrote, “Be hospitable to one another without complaint” (1 Peter 4:9). To be hospitable is “to be kind to strangers,” and that is certainly a quality we need to have.
We hope and pray that this building will overflow with visitors in just seven days. But how will our guests be treated? Will we show them kindness or indifference? Will we greet them warmly or ignore them? Will we help them feel at home or stay planted in our regular seats? Consider what all of us can do to help North Main to be both a God-centered AND welcoming congregation.
Matt Langfield