Reflections From Sunday Evening

Today Cindy and I had the opportunity to worship at Woods Chapel United Methodist Church in Lee's Summit.  Woods Chapel was the first church I was aware of to take Radical Hospitality to heart.  They developed a hospitality program that has been an inspiration to churches throughout our conference.  It was nice to see them in action today.
It is also nice to do a little comparison.  We have learned from others and in turn become a motivation for still more churches to practice Radical Hospitality.
This is a first line.  A person makes the decision to come to church at Platte Woods.  They drive onto the property. (one of these days it will be very inviting rather than feeling like a construction zone!) Parking lot greeters make people feel welcome and comfortable finding the best place to park.  A visitor is directed toward the front door where they are greeted and made to feel at home.  Once inside people are shown where their children go for Sunday School or other activities.  Basic information is provided.  People are welcomed to the sanctuary.
This may be done as a program.  Then the true radical hospitality begins.  This is where the real test for a congregation enters the picture.  Everyone becomes part of the Hospitality Team.  Everyone is responsible for making guests feel welcome and wanted.  People introduce themselves and give an opportunity for guests to share their names.  Before the day is over a person has a great church experience and is closer to Jesus than before the came.
It is an exciting time to be the Church.
It's been a great day.  I hope you've had a great day too.
steve