“Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God” (Romans 15:7).

Friendliness is all about perception — it’s in the eye of the beholder. We may feel that we’re friendly, but you never get a second chance to make a first impression! When God sends people to our church, it’s a stewardship issue. Much time, effort and prayer is involved in getting these guests on our property, and how these individuals are treated the very first time they visit will be remembered by them for a very long time.

First impressions are lasting and often people strongly resist ever changing this perception. Dr. Chuck Swindoll reports that a person makes up his or her mind within the first ten minutes after arriving at church as to whether or not they plan to ever return to that church again. That’s long before the pastor delivers his sermon, and it’s based largely on the type of welcome they receive.

People matter to God, and therefore they ought to matter to us. The church IS people, not buildings, programs, etc. Christ did not die for buildings and programs – He gave Himself for people.

John Maxwell writes, “The only thing that God will ever rescue from this planet is people. Therefore, if we want a ministry of impact and permanence, we better build it into the lives of others. People are our only appreciable asset.”

This is one reason we as a church are currently working on a plan to do a better job of extending God’s love to first-time guests, members, and those who attend our church. It’s all about meeting the needs of people in Jesus’ name, and it’s called the First Impressions Ministry. The following story, “I’m A Nice Stranger,” says it all.

“I’m a nice stranger. I never complain. I never create a scene. When I go to a church, I never offer an objection if the usher leads me down the long aisle to the front seat, while all the members of the church crowd the back seats and fix their curious gaze on my embarrassed march. No, I just take my seat. I’m a nice visitor. I never growl aloud when I have to push by and walk over the feet of selfish church members who hog the aisle seats and would not move out of their favorite places if it meant the salvation of a soul. Oh no, I just sit down meekly. I’m the ideal church stranger. I never reprimand young people who sit behind me chewing gum, whispering and giggling. Oh no, I’m too polite for that.

“At the close of the services as I walk toward the door, I refuse to make a scene if nobody speaks to me or shakes my hand. No, they gather in little cliques and don’t even seem to notice me. I’m the nice visitor to the church. And I’ll tell you what else I am — I’m the stranger who never comes back. That’s my little revenge for not being welcomed. I know when I’m not wanted. I can sense when the church members are cliquish and unfriendly to visitors. I can tell when they lack interest in the spiritual welfare of their guests. I, of course, am too nice to say anything. I just go to some other more friendly, more hospitable, and more spiritual church — or perhaps don’t go to church at all. I wouldn’t make a complaint because I’m a nice visitor. I just don’t go back. And you know what? There are millions of us who could be reached by a little hospitality and warmth. Are you just a nice complacent church member, or are you genuinely concerned about the spiritual condition of a stranger and visitor?”

Look for opportunities to meet and connect with people, especially first-time guests. Make genuine friendliness a value. Put others first — it’s really all about people!

“Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others” (Philippians 2:4).