Models of Revitalization: Hospitality
Welcome Back!
by Francine Taylor-Thirus

WELCOME BACK! The card said in large bold and black letters written on a yellow card in a small yellow envelope. The card was attached to a huge basket, which took up over half of my desk. I was so surprised that I could hardly believe my eyes. The huge basket was pleasantly covered with a layer of cellophane and attached to it was a beautiful flowing bright yellow ribbon tied into a smiling bow.

My heart filled with overwhelming emotions of delight, gratefulness, love, caring, compassion and thoughtfulness. Inside the huge basket that seemed to take up my office were layers of all kinds of goodies such as apples, oranges bananas, peaches, pears, multiple cans of juices, assorted chips, peanuts, crackers, and popcorn.

This unexpected, wonderful, and delightful surprise was from a Bible study group that I had joined about a year ago. The group had ended its officially covenanted weekly meeting about two months ago. However, we had covenanted to continue to pray for each person and to seek God's guidance on how to continue our spiritual growth in the fall. The Bible study gatherings had been such a powerful experience of growth, personally and spiritually. The weekly experience had touched us in a way that connected us through the body of Christ.

The day that I received the "WELCOME BACK" basket was my first day back at work after taking a sick leave. That gesture from the group really let me know that I was a part of the group and the church. When I first joined the group I was an outsider. I had just arrived in the city and to the church. Through becoming involved with this small group within the church, I was able to get connected and directed. I have been accepted as a part of the greater church. And I feel that I have found a home within a church instead of having a home separate from the church.

A very important part of the revitalization process of any congregation is the care, welcoming, nurturing, and shepherding of new members, potential members, and present members. Every church needs to have an intentional program that cares for all members, but especially new members. If there is not such a program in place, the new member will come in the door, join the church, and leave in a short time. Hospitality goes further than greeting people when passing the peace during worship service on Sunday morning. In a sense, we are our brothers'/sisters' keepers. And they are ours. Welcome back has a lot to do with coming back.

"GO OUT AND SERVE"

Francine Taylor-Thirus is a former staff member of the General Board of Discipleship.

posted 11-11-02