That’s Not What We Do Here

March 2, 2022 –

A friend shared her family’s experience while searching for a new church home. She, her husband, and a 12-year-old daughter visited a local church and had this experience. No one introduced themselves or asked if they were visitors. After asking for directions, someone told them where to go, but no one accompanied them—once,  Lowes and Home Depot employees walked a customer to the proper store location.

During the service, the pastor asked everyone to stand and shake hands with the surrounding person. I consider this a copout and a poor example of a “friendly church.” After the service, no one spoke to them, thanked them for attending; no one said, “Hope to see you next Sunday.”

These churches missed an opportunity to build a relationship with a young couple and their daughter. They lost the chance to make sure the family knew Jesus. Before you miss another event, make sure all members understand the priority of relationship building, and anyone who has the slightest chance of encountering a “visitor” starts the relationship building.

In saying, “That’s not what we do here,” these churches didn’t step outside the box and so missed out on new members, new tithers, new workers, and the blessed opportunity to help mold a young girl’s Christian life.

We must focus on the problems we can solve. The problem is no one cared. When we love one another as Christ loves us, the problem disappears.