The Importance Of Saying Hello

The Importance of Saying Hello

Being the new person can be difficult. Tricia, a professional who had relocated to Houston from Canada, began coming to our church at the invitation of a member. Unbeknownst to me, she was assessing whether she would really consider our church as an option based on the warmth, or lack thereof, of our congregation. You see, she had faithfully attended a church nearby for nearly a year without anyone reaching out to her. She later told me about her first visit to our fellowship. She told the Lord that if someone came to her and spoke to her that morning, she would stay, confirming it as the Lord’s leading.

At one of our dinners for new and prospective members, Tricia relayed how, during her first visit, I had come out of the worship center, heading to our guest reception, and walked right to her. Though she had moved out of the way of the traffic so that she could sit back and watch things develop, the Lord wanted to answer her prayer. She said, “And then you made a beeline to me and asked me, ‘Are you new here?’” She said she had never been as thankful for a greeting as she had on that day, and she has been coming to our church ever since. She knew that this was where the Lord had led her.

Why can God’s house be so cold relationally? What is our responsibility in receiving those who come to our churches seeking a place to worship with fellow believers? Romans 12:13 states, “When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.” One of the five promises that we make as a church leadership team is to provide warm fellowship to those who come in our doors. Our people have embraced and embodied it, and though we are not perfect, we believe a simple hello may be somebody’s answer to prayer. Who needs your hello today?

When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.

Romans 12:13