This week’s Sunday Suggestion is as straightforward as ever. Introduce yourself to someone new at church. It may seem obvious, but often it can go undone. Church can be a little busy at times. In the run up to the service, you might be running around, getting things ready or trying to settle unsettled children. Afterwards, over coffee, you might need to have a quick word with someone, or else chat to your friends.
This week though, take a few minutes to pick out someone you have never met and go introduce yourself. If you cannot see anyone you do not know (firstly, well done) then head over to someone you would like to know better or who looks like they may need a chat.
Peter encourages us to:
Be hospitable to one another without grumbling.
1 Peter 4:8 (NLT)
Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. 1 Peter 4:9 #Bible #Jesus #Church
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Being hospitable is not restricted to your own home, and you can be just as welcoming to those in the Father’s House as well.
This suggestion is not restricted to just welcoming new people, and can apply to anyone in the church – new or seasoned.
I am not the most social of people, and my natural inclination is to drift towards those I already know well. The result is that despite being in my current church for a number of years, there are still people I do not really know at all. I have little excuse for this apart from my own discomfort. Put me in a pulpit in front of a crowd, and I am happy to talk away… but sit me down with someone I do not know, and I find it a real challenge. Just how I am wired I suppose!
As a result, I need to discipline myself to make sure I make an effort, or I too easily find an excuse not to.
The key for me, and I hope it helps you too, is not to worry about yourself and how you are coming across. When our focus is on ourselves, we are being self-centred. Instead, we need to focus on them and really listen. Make them feel welcome, find out a bit about them and you will not need to worry about yourself.
Imagine if you introduced yourself to someone new every week for the entirety of 2022… by the end of the year, you will have potentially made 50 new friends, and made each of them feel welcomed and valued.
Why not take it a step further, and rather than just make the connection for yourself, introduce them to someone else too. Invite them to a home group. Take them out for coffee. Go that extra mile. You will brighten their day, and maybe even their entire year.
Have a great weekend!
Andy Brown 
Excellent post Andy!
I was blessed at church today with meeting new folk and praying with one of them. My thank you notelet cards are being well received, and pleasantly surprising folk – God is Good!
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A good idea!
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You’re right Andy it’s so easy to stay in the comfort zone with our church friends and whilst I may nod and smile to some people across the aisles it is much better to make the first move, smile and introduce yourself. Like Alan I did meet someone new this week as I was part of the prayer team. In the past the other way I’ve found which helps with intros is join the welcome/steward team if possible or making the tea 😀
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You’re quite right, and it is an easy thing to neglect at times. Joining the prayer or welcome team is a really good idea though, especially if you are someone who does not find it very easy to introduce yourself. Thanks very much for your helpful comments, and for reading!
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i feel you! i’m much happier in front of 800 people, than trying to start up new conversations with people I don’t yet know…
good suggestions; great post!
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