We all know the importance of making a good first impression. And the truth be known…so do the guests who come to our community gatherings. For instance, when a guest works up the courage to come to our Community Group, it takes about 5 seconds (or less) for them to form an initial impression of the love and acceptance they hope to find there. If they walk into a relatively cold room, void of the warmth of genuine hospitality, a strong sense of “maybe this isn’t the place I should be” permeates their thoughts.However, the opposite is also true. When a guest is greeted, immediately, with a smile, hand-shake and a sincere “Hey there, I am so glad to meet you. My name is…” instantly their fears begin to subside. As you introduce them to some of the other leaders, make sure you appoint one of them to be your guest’s advocate. By this I mean that the leader speaks for them when they are acknowledged. Your fellow leader needs to know their name(s), number of kids, perhaps their occupation and/or a brief mention of where they live.
In no time at all, they begin to tell themselves, “You know…everybody seems so nice and welcoming, I think this might be the place I BELONG. Granted, they may not reach that conclusion on the first Sunday they attend. But, if they have a positive, inviting experience, they are much more likely to come back in the Sundays that follow.
Hospitality is the heartbeat of community growth. And if we desire to see new life infused into our communities, the extension of genuine Christ-like love must be evident to those whom God entrusts to us.
“By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” -Jesus
