Within church life, many congregations include a time of greeting/welcome during the worship service. During that time participants are encouraged to talk to one another, and many include friendly handshakes in those interactions. In recent years, however, an increasing number of people have opted out of the handshaking or any type of physical contact during these moments of fellowship. This trend is most noticeable during flu season.
So What?
Whether invited to pass the peace, greet one another with a holy kiss, or make others feel welcome it is essential that those within Christian congregations respond in ways that are sensitive to the sensibilities of others who are gathered.
- Within the context of worship does your congregation offer some type of opportunity to meet and greet those seated in close proximity? If so, what do you typically do during that time?
- How do you determine whether or not to extend your hand to another to shake during times of fellowship (within or outside of the worship service)? If someone does not respond by extending her or his hand toward you, what do you do?