The Power of Inclusiveness and Welcoming the Stranger
Faith communities like Union desire to be friendly and welcoming to all members and visitors. That welcome and inclusion is given real power when it is exhibited in simple and personal ways. Every church member and friend plays a part in creating welcoming environments by showing care, concern and hospitality.
Here are a few suggestions about how each of us can do that on Sunday mornings, at Wednesday night suppers, in classes, on trips, or just on the sidewalk.
- Think “NEW”: Nurture relationships to connect people, Engage in the practice of conversation; Welcome opportunities to reach out to others. How would you like to be treated if you were new? What might you want to know? Think of these things and then reach out to those around you who might be in that situation.
- Go the Extra Mile: Find little ways to offer hospitality. Greet visitors, introduce yourself, thank them for their visit and invite them back! Seems simple, but so many of us forget! Every week, commit to speaking to someone you don’t know.
- Follow up with Visitors: See someone you just met last week? Go say “hi” again! Reconnection is as simple as saying “Good to see you again! Remind me of your name…” Be ready to ask if there is someway the church could be of service. We are here to serve. You can help connect them to pastors, child care workers, or study opportunities.
- Avoid Uncommon and Insider Lingo: At tables or in pews, make sure everyone feels like an “insider.” Don’t use abbreviations with visitors or newcomers who are not “in the know.”
- Add to Your Circle: At gatherings of the church it is everyone’s responsibility to add to the circle by including someone whom you don’t know, haven’t met, or may be unfamiliar with the church. Don’t just talk to the people in your group. Add to the group! Be curious, ask polite questions, and connect people to others with similar interests. Remember: we are helping “outsiders” feel like “insiders!”
- Don’t Assume! Don’t Assume that because someone is a “regular” that they feel included! Too many people aren’t sure they are welcome in groups, even if they have been coming to church for years. Nurturing relationships means reaching out to ANYONE and engaging in the holy art of caring about what they say, and what might be going on with them. We all need to be reached out to sometimes. We all suffer when any one feels left out, overlooked, or unimportant.
“Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it!” —Hebrews 13:2
In grace and with joy,
Rev. Kent
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