Extraordinary Hospitality

What if the church could show hospitality like the breast cancer clinic where my dear Mother-in-law is taking her chemotherapy treatments?  

It was her first visit to the clinic to receive chemotherapy for stage two breast cancer.  She has a few friends who have been through it so she's heard things.  I know she was nervous but she's a fighter and so she tried hard not to show her nervousness.  We walked toward the glass doors and my Father-in-law opened the door for her and motioned for me to follow.  Right inside the door was a sharply dressed woman, a volunteer wearing a badge that said, "Concierge."  Concierge?  I thought you only found those in high priced hotels.  She greeted us warmly, as warm as any person has ever greeted another person.  And she asked if it was our first time.  They had been there before to see the doctor a few times but for me it was a first trip.

The Concierge walked with us the 15 steps to the desk where another person asked my mother-in-law's name.  The attention to detail was incredible. The attention to the person was amazing!  It was as if they had been trained, schooled, and drilled on how to detect signs of fear and anxiety and then to provide comfort and reassurance.  Every word they spoke put us at ease.  Every facial expression made us more comfortable.  Then it was time to go upstairs.  The Concierge was waiting for us and she walked us the 4 steps to the elevator and pressed the up button for us.  She said goodbye but it was more like a blessing.


All I could think of, besides my concern for my beloved mother-in-law, was "What if the church demonstrated this kind of hospitality?"  What if our greeters at our front doors welcomed people with the same level of intentionality?  What if they said, "Is this your first time?"  "Let me show you to the perfect seat- not too close, not too far back.  This is Joe, he will help you with the page numbers because we know it's like a foreign language the first couple of times.  When it comes to communion, we welcome all the baptized so please feel free to join us at the Lord's table.  We have coffee and fellowship between services and if you like I could introduce you to some of our disciples here.  You can also join the Sunday School Class; they are very friendly and would love to have you.  Do you have any questions for me?  If you do please don't hesitate to ask.  Again, welcome, we are so glad you are here."

Now that may be laying it on a bit thick but you get the idea. People have fears you know.  And walking into a strange church can be a little scary and intimidating.  It's our job to put people at ease, calm their fears, make them feel comfortable.

 Have you ever been in a church where the greeters are too busy greeting each other to notice a stranger has entered the building?  Or a crowd of members is huddled together, deep in conversation about the latest news to notice someone unfamiliar is standing right there looking lost.  They might look up at the person but just as quickly dart their eyes away thinking that someone will surely come over and talk to that person (but never consider it might be their job to be the Concierge.)  I've been in those churches.  I'm sure you have too!  On vacation we usually visit other churches and let me tell you, EVERY church says, "We're friendly."  And that just ain't so.  (My grandmother told me ain't ain't a word, so sorry grandma but I just had to say it for emphasis!)

We Christians have to get out of our comfort zones and walk toward people.  We are ALL called to be Christian Concierges who practice extra-ordinary hospitality.  Share the joy of Jesus, talk to strangers!  They are VIPs to God you know!