Every Sunday, every member is a host.

July 17, 2011

Tonight is the night. They will be here soon. You have invited guests over for dinner. Lots to do. Lots to prepare for. It’s part of being a good host, right? No guest is going to feel welcome in a dirty bathroom with no towel. Dirty dishes in the sink, dusty furniture, clutter on the couch, and clothes in the living room will not fly. Taking a look in the front yard might be in order as well. A fresh mow on the grass, some weed clearing, and getting the kid’s toys picked up off the driveway is in order. But it doesn’t stop there. A good host usually will be ready to serve up something a little more than Sunday evening eggs and toast. You might even make sure the “good plates” are out and you use silverware that matches. Five minutes before you will hear the knock on the door, you will want to lecture  the kids to be on their best behavior. You know that everything reflects on the host.

If you haven’t had guests over recently, think again. Every Sunday morning at BridgePointe we are hosts. According to the father of church planting, “We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.”(2 Corinthians 5:20) We represent Jesus every Sunday morning to those outside of our spiritual family. How we prepare for guests at BridgePointe reflects on Jesus himself.

In anticipating our guests’ needs, our staff gets intentional:

·          Is parking adequate?

·          Do the outdoor signs clearly point the way?

·          Are guests greeted with a warm welcome?

·          Are the internal signs easy to see and clear as to where to go?

·          Are the children’s programs at our best?

·          Are parents who entrust their kids to us given our attention?

·          Are the bathrooms clean and the facilities and decor inviting?

·          Do we acknowledge and appreciate guests right up front?

·          Do we translate spiritual truth to be understandable for those who are unfamiliar with church and our Christian language?

·          Is the message true to the Bible, clearly depicting God’s will for followers of Jesus?

·          Is our quality in all that we do equal to the importance of our faith?

·          Are people led to an opportunity to say “yes” to God’s grace for the first time?

·          Is information easily assessable for someone desiring to take another step in drawing close to God?

But you’re a host as well! Are these traits true of you as an ambassador?

·          I come to church on time so that guests, who traditionally arrive earlier, don’t feel awkward in an empty  theater.

·          I introduce myself to people sitting around me at the greeting time.

·          As a volunteer on Sunday, I give my best effort and give all attendees my best attention.

·          I volunteer at BridgePointe with the primary needs on Sunday to effectively serve people.

·          I refrain from judging others on Sunday who dress and look different than myself.

·          I am authentically “real” in my dress and personality without “acting” religious.  

·          I don’t assume that everyone I meet is a Christian.

·          I’m helpful and humble in explaining spiritual things to people who do not have the knowledge I have  about God.

           

We can tell if a hotel or a restaurant has prepared well for our needs as a guest. It is often that personal touch and attention that determines whether we return. Certainly the stakes are higher at BridgePointe. As ambassadors of Jesus, our readiness and preparation can make an eternal difference for an unchurched guest.

I hear the knock on the door. They’re here!