Under Valued gifts (8)

8. The gift of welcome

Tim Keller has written that there are only two kinds of churches:

1. One kind says to its community: ‘You can come to us, learn our language, learn our interests, become like us and meet our needs.’

2. The other kind says to its community: ‘We will come to you, learn your language, learn your interests, join in your life and try to meet your needs.’

A welcoming attitude is something that has to be constantly relearnt. Only the gospel can reorientate our vision - away from the inward, selfish desire to mix with people like ourselves and towards the selfless desire to love the wider community around us. Ministries like the Op Shop, Flo Harris Lodge and School Scripture help us to keep this focus. When it comes to the love of Christ it should be just as much ‘show and tell’ as ‘come and hear’. What practical things can we do to join in the life of the community around us?

However, that attitude will only translate into action ‘out there’ if it starts ‘in here’. This attitude of welcome should pervade all our meetings too - on Sunday, Bible study groups, Playtime ... etc.

Why not evaluate any PBC activity you are involved with from this perspective of welcome:

• is there a language newcomers are expected to learn?

• do our songs only appeal to one particular interest group?

• is it obvious what to do and how to get involved?

• do we take the initiative in welcoming new people?

• are we addressing the needs of the wider community or just the needs of those who come already?

“Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:...” (Philippians 2: 4-5)