Tis the season of full churches and people singing familiar carols. How can we greet newcomers and occasional church-goers in ways that will invite them back at less culturally-supportive times?
A few suggestions:
1. Make sure your Christmas services are absolutely the best they can be. This is truly a time to "pay the rent" with attention to a well-prepared sermon, practiced music, and liturgical rehearsals.
2. Welcome people during the announcements with genuine enthusiasm -- and no attempts of humor about people's attendance (I have heard stories of clergy saying something like "And welcome back to you folks we last saw at Easter." This is NOT a good idea!)
3. For all the changes we've seen, Christmas remains one of the most "traditional" times in America. Whatever you might think, "Silent Night" and other classic Christmas hymns and carols are still very appropriate. Save the "cutting edge" for another occasion.
4. Be centered. Christians, both lay and clergy, who regularly attend to and support the ministry of the church need to be spiritually centered at this time of year to be open and responsive to the questions and concerns of spiritual seekers.
5. Proclaim the Good News that God became human in Jesus Christ. Tell that Good News in your own words, through your own life, through your own experiences. Spiritual seekers are not looking to be "convinced;" they are looking for an introduction to the God who dwells in God's people.
Christmas Blessings!
Michael
Posted by mbarlowe at December 23, 2003 09:25 AM