Beyond Ten Minutes

 I have seen church studies that show people’s first ten minutes at a church will determine whether or not they return for another visit. This is influenced primarily by how they are greeted and welcomed by strangers, and the general vibe of a church community. Others have indicated it is the ten minutes after the service that matter most. Do congregations just up and leave with little contact or communication, or do they take time to greet each other, and especially newcomers? Of this I am certain, both ten-minute segments are important. But of even greater importance is the heart or spirit that fills those time slots, and all of the minutes before and after them, too. 

Reading the Rule of St. Benedict, a guidebook from the 6^th century for people living in Christian community, I was captured by the part concerning welcoming guests.  When guests arrived, they were to be “welcomed as Christ” and “proper honor” shown to them. The members of the community were to bow before the guests as a way of recognizing Christ in the visitors. The abbot, the head of the community, would stop what he was doing and wash the feet of the guests. Great care was to be shown in welcoming the poor. Two of the brothers were assigned to the kitchen to be ready at all times to prepare meals for guests. After a meal, visitors would then be provided a place where they could rest.  

For me, this still captures the true heart and spirit of reach ministries, even if it was practiced 1,500 years ago. When we welcome guests, newcomers, those outside the church as if they were Christ himself, it changes everything! Our guests become our priority. We go out of our way to speak to people we don’t know. We volunteer to prepare coffee and snacks as a show of hospitality. We welcome people at the doors and in the breezeways. We help direct parking of cars, not just for logistical reasons, but to welcome each car as if Jesus himself were in it. 

If we think of each guest as Jesus, it will change our hearts and spirits in such a way that the first and last ten minutes are the same … filled with a love, joy, and hospitality worthy of our Lord

Who knows how Jesus will come to us this weekend … but may we be ready!

Together we are the hands and feet of Christ,

Brett