Word of the week: After
I want to talk about “after.” What happens AFTER church each Sunday is key to who we are at Grace. I really enjoyed the time after church this week, and want to take the opportunity to talk about it a little bit.
Something beautiful happens after church. Grace has always been a church where people love to gather and connect after church. Conversations sometimes go long after the benediction. Some weeks the deacon of the day leaves and comes back later because people are still talking. It’s not unusual to see people praying for one another. I see that kind of thing going on and I want to jump up and down! We are a church that isn’t dead quiet when you come in because relationships are being fostered before the service. So, if praying before the service is crucial for you - do it at home where it’s quiet! But, this is about “after,” and what happens then.
Thinks to think about:
Opportunity: First of all, see this as a golden opportunity. Many Gracians are very busy people and a good deal of effort is required to get together and have fellowship once we walk out the door. On Sunday, we are already there, a few minutes of time with people isn’t going to hurt us any, and who knows how God may use the time. A certain retired pastor and his wife set the bar high for all of us by really caring for people before and after church. If you sit on the right flank (facing the pulpit) near the sound booth you’ve probably been greeted and cared for by these two warm and caring people.
Unfamiliar faces: There are people whose faces you don’t recognize. Now I know this causes social anxiety for many people because especially with going back to one service, we are afraid that we will welcome someone as a new visitor who is actually an elder at the church. So, greet people without words like “Are you new to Grace?”, but say something like “My name is _________ and I don’t think I’ve met you?” People are pretty good about filling in the blanks as to their relationship to the church (“This is my first Sunday” . . . etc.).
Connecting people with one another: Another great practice is to connect people with one another. For example, if you meet a newer person who works at NGIC, ask about people from Grace who work there. If you meet someone who has a child at a certain school, connect them with a family with students there. Discipleship through relationship can begin with these conversations. It might connect someone to their new small group. It might connect a lonely stay at home mom with two other moms in her neighborhood. It might connect a working mom with the evening Bible Study leader. Think of the power of just a few minutes of conversation!
Praying for one another: This might not be for some of us, but if you are talking to someone and they unburden their soul, ask if you can pray for them right then and there. If you think it is warranted, grab another person to pray as well. You don’t need special lessons. Jesus is already praying for them, and Holy Spirit helps us in our prayers. Right now is the right time!
Introverts: One key conversation? At least half of us are introverts and that means all this sounds horrible. One of my introvert friends wants to let off a smoke bomb at the end of church (there is a Babylon Bee fake news article about that - and you need Babylon Bee in your life). What if you could have one conversation with someone? Just check in with somebody perhaps? I’m not trying to make your life miserable. You have something to say, though. You have something to offer somebody.
It’s funny to realize that one of the most important times every Sunday is AFTER CHURCH. It’s something to ponder!
In Him,
Don