When we had our back-to-school Sunday a few weeks ago, many of us gathered in the Family Center after getting some lunch from the food trucks. When I was able to get over there, I noticed several newer people and families sitting by themselves. Then I saw Neal Ballah, deacon extraordinaire, go over to a table with some new folks and talk to them for a bit.
Maybe Neal already knew them. Maybe not. But that was encouraging to me. Great job, Neal! When we have friends at our church, it’s very easy to simply hang out with the people we know. And as a church gets larger, it seems to me our tendency will be to find “our” people–you know, the ones we know and are more comfortable with. It takes intentionality and a servant’s mindset to come to church, look for people that may be new (or that you don’t know), and take the initiative to introduce yourself to them.
Well done, Neal! There’s something Christlike about that–especially if it was uncomfortable to you. You made my heart glad (even if I misinterpreted what was happening!).
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