Wandering through New Zealand, it was no surprise to find our guide to be amazingly friendly and welcoming. After all, it’s his job. Gary greeted us on our first day with a big smile and a handshake, and it seemed instantly knew all of our names – 15 in our group. He greeted us each day with an enthusiastic “Kia Ora!” – and assured us each day that “it’s all good….no worries.” He made an amazing difference in our travel experience.
What stood out for me however was how welcoming the locals were – people who weren’t being paid to see that our stay was a good one. On the first day in Auckland, while riding the ferry across the bay to our first hike and soaking up the sites silently by myself, a young New Zealand woman engaged me in conversation as if we rode together on the ferry every day. What is often awkward to me came easily and naturally to her. On my way back on the ferry, a weathered older man was equally friendly, leading me in an “every day” conversation. There was no magic in what we said – just every day talk. We did talk about where I was from (obviously not a local) - and never mentioned the weather!
This experience was repeated over and over during our stay in New Zealand - “radical hospitality” at its best. What is the parallel for our church, where welcoming newcomers is critical to growing our membership? I believe it is a culture where ALL members of the congregation see themselves on the “membership team”. Indeed we have some members like that – friendly and welcoming to newcomers, even when not in an official greeter role. Are you one of them?
On Sunday, try talking with someone you don’t know before approaching your usual circle of friends. Make a difference in a newcomer’s experience of our congregation.
In faith,
Nancy
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