Text: Luke 14: 7-15
Sermon Excerpt
What in the name of God is going on here?
This is a question you will hear me ask many times in the weeks ahead. I begin this morning as I did with the children – with welcome.
I imagine many, perhaps even most of you have a welcome mat outside the front door of your home. It is a sign to all who approach your residence that they will find welcome within.
Newcomers to communities of faith are usually not looking down to read words on the door mat; they are looking up and all around to take in the sights and to observe the expressions of the people.
For those of you who have not visited a new church in quite a while, let me assure you that it can be an intimidating experience. I could put our first time visitors on the spot right now and ask them about their experiences. Thankfully, I know better than to do so.
Instead, let me tell you about three of my own recent experiences as a first time worship visitor in unfamiliar churches. Despite solid preparation and a detailed review of church websites, I didn’t know quite what to expect. In some cases I wasn’t sure what most people wore or how welcome outsiders really were.
Church #1. I was greeted . . . (read full manuscript or watch video)
So What?
There is often a disconnect between the welcome we receive (and sometimes the welcome we offer others) and what welcome should be. Rather than rooting our welcome in politeness or ensuring it matches cultural expectations, we must strive to open ourselves to God’s welcome so that we can extend that welcome to others.
- How have you experienced God’s welcome in your life?
- What do you find hardest about welcoming people – especially those you don’t know?
- Share a time when someone made you feel incredibly welcome.