How long have you been coming to Grace?

I recently had a conversation with someone who wants to get more comfortable welcoming people to our worship services.  He has watched me find new visitors and strike up conversations with them, and wanted to know how I do it.  He acknowledged how awkward it can be, and that he just didn’t know what to say.  Let me share with you the perfect greeting. 

Here's what you can say, “Hi, my name’s Kyle! How long have you been coming to Grace?”  This avoids the possible embarrassment of asking, “Are you new here?” only to find out they’ve been coming to church for years.  Trust me, that’s just awkward for everyone!  After asking them how long they’ve been coming to Grace, they might say something like, “This is our first time” or “We’ve been coming for about a month.”, To this, a great follow-up question is, “Are you new to the area?” or “What brings you to Grace this morning?”

I want to “Welcome others, as Christ has welcomed me, for the glory of God!” (Romans 15:7).  And He didn’t just welcome me; He pursued me.  He left his throne to seek and save the lost.  He came after me in love, while I was His enemy.  So, I want to pursue others and create belonging for them, and help them to know that they are seen and welcome at Grace.  My newest challenge is to bring some of you along with me to greet our guests.  So, when I greet someone new and ask them how long they’ve been coming to Grace, I may have you turn around in your seat, and I’ll introduce them to you as well!  Or if I see you sitting near someone who I don’t recognize, I might text you and ask you to help welcome them after the service!  Let’s create a hospitality culture that values everyone as created in God’s image and reflects the incredible love that God has for us in Christ!

See you Sunday!
Pastor Kyle