The Visitor Welcome Committee
Rarely, rarely does someone become a Christian before attending at least one worship service. That means that rarely is the conversion of a non-Christian the work of just one person – the Christian teacher. When a visitor comes to our worship assembly, the whole congregation becomes “ministers” or even “evangelists” to that visitor.
It starts with welcoming the visitor. We don’t necessarily need to swarm the newcomer, but having a steady flow of members with a smile on their face, introducing themselves, makes a strong impression. More than anything else, people are looking for relationships and if they see the church as full of friendly people, they are likely to return. Do they have kids? Offer to show them where their Bible class is. Point them to where the bathroom is located. If they have little kids, brief them on where the nursery is provided. Even offer to show them or take them there. Make sure they receive a church bulletin and a sermon outline sheet.
At the very least, smile!
If a visitor is sitting near you in worship, keep an eye open if he/she is having trouble finding the biblical text. If they need a Bible, find one. Otherwise, offer to help them find the relevant passage, at least the main text from which the preacher will speak. Try to be helpful without being condescending.
But the “visitor welcome” committee goes further than the introductions. A visitor is going to be interested in how you interact with the worship. Your singing will encourage and teach him or her. Your enthusiastic singing will show that you are glad to be a Christian and glad to be a member of this congregation. If you are happy to be here, perhaps he/she will also be happy to be here.
When the congregation prays, bow your head, close your eyes to block out your own distractions, and show the visitor that you believe in the power of prayer. When the congregation communes through the Lord’s Supper, consider opening your Bible, either to the passage read by the leader, or another passage. Meditate on the thoughts of the passage and listen respectfully. You are sending a signal that you take your worship to God seriously. Make sure your facial expressions are appropriate for the thoughts being conveyed. Visitors may be looking at your facial reactions to see how you are interacting with the speaker.
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Refrain from getting up in the middle of worship, if at all possible. Getting up is a distraction and sends a negative signal, albeit ever so slightly that something more important than worship is calling you. Be sure it is more important than worship!
During the preaching, you will have a strong influence on the visitor if you will take notes. Sermon outlines are provided for this very purpose. You show you are wanting to learn more of God’s word. It shows that the message is worthy of your attention and you desire to put God’s message into practice in your life. Keep your Bible opened to the appropriate passage. It conveys the idea that God’s message is still relevant for us today.
When a non-Christian comes to visit worship, he or she can be influenced to continue pursuing a relationship with Christ or he or she may be influenced to walk away permanently. How you respond to the visitor can make all the difference, throughout eternity.
Paul said in 1 Corinthians 14:24-25 – “But if all prophesy [speaking the message of God, p.h.], and an unbeliever or an ungifted man enters, he is convicted by all, he is called to account by all; the secrets of his heart are disclosed; and so he will fall on his face and worship God, declaring that God is certainly among you.”
May it happen in our own worship assemblies.
–Paul Holland
