I never complain. I never create a scene. When I go to church, I never offer an objection if the usher leads me down the long aisle to the front seat, while all the members of the church crowd the back seats and fix their curious gaze on my embarrassed march. No, I just take my seat. I'm a nice visitor.
I never growl aloud when I have to push by and walkover the feet of selfish church members who hog the aisle seats and would not move out of their favorite places if it meant the salvation of a soul. Oh no, I just sit down meekly. I'm the ideal church stranger.
I never reprimand young people who sit behind me chewing gum, whispering and giggling. Oh no, I'm too polite for that. At the close of the services as I walk toward the door, I never make a scene if nobody speaks to me or shakes my hand. No, they gather in little cliques and don't bother me. I'm the nice visitor to the church.
And I'll tell you what else I am - I'm the stranger who never comes back. That's my little revenge for not being welcomed. I know when I'm not wanted. I can sense when the church members are cliquish and unfriendly. I can tell when they lack interest in the spiritual welfare of the visitors. I, of course, am too cultured and too nice to say anything. I just go to some other more friendly, more hospitable, and more spiritual church - or don't go to church at all. I wouldn't make a complaint - I'm a nice guest. I just don't go back. And there are millions of us who could be reached by a little hospitality and warmth. (author unknown)
Are you just a nice complacent church member, or are you genuinely concerned about the spiritual condition of a first-time guest at church? Let's be “welcomers” every Sunday to everyone!
What are some other ways we can show hospitality to our guests? I'd love to hear your ideas.
