This evening we had what we call a “Pastor’s Dessert”; we used to call it “Pastor’s Coffee” but we changed it for those who may have thought they had to drink coffee to attend. So I guess Pastor’s Dessert is more palatable (pun intended).
The Pastor’s Dessert is an opportunity for those who are new to the church to get an opportunity to meet me and the other pastor’s in a casual atmosphere in a home (I generally have to use other homes since Shelby is getting ready for bed around that time). I share about our church’s mission, how people can get connected. I also take that opportunity to ask people how they first started coming to Farmland Friends Church and to see what they like about the church.
Generally people respond by saying they like the children’s program, worship style, growth groups, or the preaching (I think they say this because I’m in the room with them). Tonight I also heard things like – “My family enjoys the unpretentious atmosphere.” “We like to wear comfortable clothes and grab a cup of coffee and our Bible and worship God.” Or, “I really enjoyed seeing people greet one another and I saw people laughing and smiling in church and wondered, ‘can you do that in church’?” I enjoy hearing people’s take on our church and what it is that they enjoy.
What do you like about the church that you attend?
Our church just has a personal, casual feel to it, which encourages a relationship with Christ. I feel like I attend services to get to know God a little better, not to compete for the title of who is wearing the most expensive suit. I can come and worship to amazing music and not have to worry that I am showing too much, or not enough, enthusiasm. Although every crowd will have that one person sneering and scoffing in the background, the over-all atmosphere of the church is very warm. I feel comfortable there, and I believe our church does a great job of making new guests feel welcome without suffocating them.
ReplyDeleteAnd the pastor is okay too! :-)
Our church is very welcoming to anyone who walks through the door. There is an instant sense of warmth when you walk in the doors. It is nice to walk through the doors every Sunday and know that there are going to be smiling faces waiting to greet you and acknowledge your presence. My brother recently visited our church and he really liked the relaxed atmosphere and he thought that the preaching was excellent. He said that he felt like it was "ok" to be imperfect at our church.
ReplyDeleteI have always liked our church because of the people. I can remember the first time I came, it was actually to visit with my sister and I just felt safe. I saw real people around us and they were happy! It was just great to see that in a church family...
ReplyDeleteOh yeah, and I liked the preaching too. ;)
ReplyDelete