Clapham Community

Do we really make outsiders feel welcome?

I had a unique opportunity yesterday to experience what an outsider to my church must feel. I was in an area of my church where I normally don’t go. The people in the room were much younger than I. They were busy greeting friends that they had not seen since school let out some weeks earlier. As I stood there waiting for a friend, I suddenly felt very awkward. I began to be embarrassed and I wondered if any of those darting by me could detect my uneasiness. I felt like it was clinging to me like a virus and could be seen by everybody in the room. It was obvious that I was somewhat out of place. Then it hit me like a ton of bricks. This is what it must feel like to be new, to be on the outside looking in.

I don’t know about most people but I am territorial. I usually only go places in my church where I am actively involved in serving. I know the people who will be there. I know the routine that will be followed. I know what to expect and I know that I’ll be greeted by at least a few people before I get to the end of the hall. Here I am in my element and enjoy what I do. This was all gone when I stepped into that other area of my church. I cant remember the last time I felt so disconnected and out of place.

Please don’t mistake my meaning. This is no critique or condemnation of the ministry into which I ventured today. What was exposed was not a lack of hospitality but an overabundance of my pride. I am used to being the one greeted and fawned over and I like it; way too much. This humbling and awkward experience helped remind me of what it must feel like when those who are on the outside, by the work of the Holy Spirit, find the courage to cross the threshold and enter the church doors.

Maybe this is not an issue for you. Maybe you don’t feel awkward in such situations. Maybe you are the type of person that bends over backward to truly make people feel welcome. I hope you are. I hope you don’t succumb to pride like I do and gravitate to those areas where people are waiting to boost your ego. I hope that I become more like you and we both become more like Jesus so that one day we will hear Him say…

“…‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.”
- Matthew 25:35-40 (Emphasis mine)

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