Pastoral Musings

“Offer hospitality to one another without
grumbling.” 1 Peter 4:9

“Keep on loving one another as brothers and
sisters. Do not forget to show hospitality to
strangers, for by so doing some people have
shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.”
Hebrews 13:1-2

With the summer months upon us, St. John’s will
experience the presence of visitors in our worship
services. Actually, we average between three and
six first time or infrequent visitors every weekend.
The summer months will see that jump slightly to
between six and ten households (couple, families,
individuals) per weekend. It is our prayer that we
are ready and prepared to receive them with
open arms and joy in our hearts and upon our
faces.

One would think this would come naturally, but it
doesn’t. In fact from some research shared by
Pastor Joel Hoyer of Grace Lutheran Church in
Coopersville, one would have to conclude that
most Christian Churches have a way to grow
when it comes to making visitors feel at home and
like welcomed guests.


This is what Pastor Hoyer shared with his
congregation:


How "Friendly" Are We?

Eighteen churches in Lincoln, NE., chosen at
random were evaluated by a researcher. The
researcher had determined a scoring method in
advance, as follows:

10 points for a Smile From a Worshipper.
10 points for a Greeting From Someone Sitting
Nearby.

100 points for an Exchange of Names.


200 points for an Invitation To Return.


1000 points for an Introduction To Another Person.


2000 points for an Invitation to Meet the Pastor.

His method was to visit congregations on
successive Sundays, sit near the front of the
sanctuary, and after the service to walk slowly to
the rear. He was dressed neatly and asked at least
one person to direct him to the social hall, Sunday
School class area, pastor's study and rest room.

The results: not one of the visited churches scored
even 100 points! The man concluded: "The
preaching may be Biblical, the singing
inspirational, or the sermon uplifting. But when a
visitor finds no one who cares whether or not he is
there, the visitor is not likely to return."

Consider having a friend who is not known in our
church visit one Sunday and try the same test.
Let me know, will you? And let your love of Jesus
show to those around you!

Grace and peace,

Pastor Haupt.