When I was a kid, my neighborhood used to have some scary dogs that barked at us. They were intimidating. My mom used to say, "Ignore them and they will go away." The same is true about people. When we ignore them, they will eventually go away. This is even true about people that you don't want to go away. Picture yourself working at a restaurant and a couple is waiting to place their order. If they are ignored long enough, you've lost the chance to serve them. As Christians, we don't want to miss out on the opportunity to serve people. Let's not ignore them.
Last week I wrote about the ministry that can take place in our lobby before and after services. With our Easter services coming up, it is more important than ever to welcome people with sincere kindness and warmth. In this week's
Message
About
Purpose and
Strategy, I'll give you a quick 10-step approach. Even if you only do half of these, Dayspring will come to be known as a friendly place.
1. Be Christ-conscious, not self-conscious. You have nothing to lose - it's not about you.
2. Think of what it is like to be new and not know anyone.
3. Ask God to awaken your heart to others and to guide you to someone who needs a greeting.
4. Break out of your holy-huddle and look for someone you don't know.
5. Approach them, confident that they want contact.
6. Share your name and learn theirs.
7. Introduce them to someone they don't know that has something in common.
8. Invite them to be your guest for carne asada with guacamole and invite a pastor as well.
9. Remember their name the next week.
10. Repeat weekly.