10 MINUTES
"Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels." Hebrews 13:2
After moving to a new city, a Christian couple set about locating a congregation in which to attend. They subsequently learned of two congregations of similar size located a short distance from their home. To determine which to attend regularly, they planned a visit to each church on successive Sundays, with the following plan:
Congregation #1:
Noted plenty of open parking spaces 10 minutes before services.
Observed 4 people in the parking lot, no one approached us.
1 usher greeted us inside the auditorium.
2 members introduced themselves between Sunday School and worship.
4 members introduced themselves at the conclusion of worship.
Congregation #2:
Noted only a few parking spaces available 10 minutes before services.
9 members greeted us in the parking lot.
2 ushers greeted us at door; 5 members greeted us before we reached auditorium.
4 additional members greeted us before Sunday School began.
5 members introduced themselves between Sunday School and worship.
LOST COUNT of those that greeted us at conclusion of worship.
2 couples invited us to lunch.
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You can guess which congregation they chose to attend regularly. Although each church
featured fine programs, sound preaching and worthwhile activities, the couple was overwhelmed by the friendliness of congregation #2.
Virtually every week visitors attend our services. What happens during the 10-minute period before and after services often leaves a greater impression than the services themselves.
Look for visitors, introduce yourself, and make each feel as if he or she has come home.
Jesus, always Jesus!
Dennis
"Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels." Hebrews 13:2
After moving to a new city, a Christian couple set about locating a congregation in which to attend. They subsequently learned of two congregations of similar size located a short distance from their home. To determine which to attend regularly, they planned a visit to each church on successive Sundays, with the following plan:
- Arrive 10 minutes early.
- Make notes that include greetings or introductions from members.
- Attend Sunday school and morning worship.
- Remain 10 minutes following morning worship.
Congregation #1:
Noted plenty of open parking spaces 10 minutes before services.
Observed 4 people in the parking lot, no one approached us.
1 usher greeted us inside the auditorium.
2 members introduced themselves between Sunday School and worship.
4 members introduced themselves at the conclusion of worship.
Congregation #2:
Noted only a few parking spaces available 10 minutes before services.
9 members greeted us in the parking lot.
2 ushers greeted us at door; 5 members greeted us before we reached auditorium.
4 additional members greeted us before Sunday School began.
5 members introduced themselves between Sunday School and worship.
LOST COUNT of those that greeted us at conclusion of worship.
2 couples invited us to lunch.
******************************************************************************************
You can guess which congregation they chose to attend regularly. Although each church
featured fine programs, sound preaching and worthwhile activities, the couple was overwhelmed by the friendliness of congregation #2.
Virtually every week visitors attend our services. What happens during the 10-minute period before and after services often leaves a greater impression than the services themselves.
Look for visitors, introduce yourself, and make each feel as if he or she has come home.
Jesus, always Jesus!
Dennis
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