Okay, so I’m not very fancy right? But this morning I was reminded of the fact that so often we are surrounded by people, things, and even terminology that can baffle us at times. This morning in the coffee shop I hear names of coffee drinks, at least I think they are, that sound more like names of European race cars than they do drinks. I am sitting next to a young man that is studying from a book that is full of medical terms and procedures that I couldn’t begin to pronounce or understand. All this reminds me that we know what we know and unless we are otherwise introduced to something new we will remain on the outside merely looking in.
The church can have this same effect on so many people as they walk into a narthex or foyer of a church only then to proceed to the sanctuary or chapel. Where they can far to often get lost in the stand, sit, & kneel of a traditional church service. I find myself more and more trying to create an environment where people will feel welcome in our little cafe & auditorium. So that when they are brave enough to drive into a new parking lot, walk through new doors, meet new people, and hopefully meet God a person like no one else they have ever met they will not be intimidated or turned off. None of us will continue to frequent a place where we feel out of place, un-welcomed, or not on the same playing field. Everybody wants to be an insider right away and though they may be difficult in a lot of settings it is not impossible in the church.
This Sunday no matter where you worship make an intentional effort to bridge that, familiar to you but scary to others, gap.
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