Emmanuel Lutheran Church

July 2010

I’m sure you’ve all had an experience like this at some point in your life. We needed a new phone cord in the Smearsoll household, so while we were in Wal-Mart, we went to the electronics department only to find they were sold out of the length that we needed. No problem, we’ll just go to (name withheld) and get one. I pulled into the parking lot, told Sue and Bryan to wait in the van because it wouldn’t take long, and went into the store.

There were two clerks busy with two customers at the two registers with all too time consuming purchases. I found what I needed within a minute of walking into the store and proceeded to stand in line. I waited patiently, thinking that either one may finish soon. I began to move around a bit impatiently, hoping that one of the clerks would acknowledge me and let me know how much longer it might be. I began to look around the store to take up some time while waiting.

It seemed like 25 minutes, but I’m sure it was closer to 24, when one clerk finished her transaction and called me to the register. I let her know how dissatisfied I was that neither one took the time to acknowledge me or let me know about how long it would take. I will not go back to this store because of my experience and all it took was two of the store’s many employees to accomplish this.

This experience reminds me of how important it is to be prepared for the visitor in worship. It is important to make sure that a visitor’s first experience is a good one or, just like my experience in that store, that person won’t be back. “I was a stranger and you welcomed me” said Jesus (Matthew 25:35). I’m pleased to say that at Emmanuel, I think we do a pretty good job of welcoming the stranger.

The entire liturgy is printed in our bulletin, not for our benefit (for we know the service), but for the benefit of our guests. Greeters are posted at each entrance to extend a warm handshake and smile to all who enter, but remember that each of you is an unofficial “greeter” in the pew. If visitors happen to be seated near you, check to see that they are able to follow the liturgy. If they look like they are fumbling, don’t hesitate to extend a helping hand. If a visitor has taken a seat in your normal pew, be thankful that he or she is here and take a seat elsewhere that day. If their children are making noise, be thankful for the sound of children in worship.

Many visitors to a church don’t want to be “pressured” at the end of worship so simply thank them for worshiping with you and let them know they are welcome to come again sometime. If they want further contact, they will have filled out a yellow card and I will be in touch with them. If they have gotten good “customer service,” their chances of returning are pretty good.

As we move forward, I know we will have many opportunities to welcome the stranger in worship.

Blessings,
Pastor Alan