Good Hugs

A new attendee came up to me after the service and gave me a big, lasting hug. It was almost as if she didn’t want to let go. She was filled with emotion and was expressing thanks for the service. As I thought about that moment, I realized it was not just me she was thanking.

She was thanking her friend who encouraged her to get up and come.
She was thanking the church for the warm and authentic welcome she received.
She was thankful for the worship team providing genuine and meaningful worship.
She was thankful for the sermon as well.
But most of all she was thankful that she took a huge chance on a church and a God and found that it was absolutely worth it!

That is the experience I hope every person who walks into our church is given. We as long-time church people need to realize how difficult it is for someone to walk in our doors. When a guest walks in any church they are putting themselves out there and risking a lot. Unfortunately, they don’t always get the results they wanted or needed.

I am happy that this hug on Sunday happened. I hope that by loving like Jesus called us to do, we get a lot more of these kinds of hugs!