By Jan Cagno

"Hello, I’m ________ and I’m so glad you came today. I don’t believe I’ve ever met you." That’s a good beginning for a warm welcome, but it is just the beginning.

How do you welcome the visitors who come to your Sunday school? How much time is spent helping your guests feel comfortable and a part of your group? An introduction does not really provide a welcome. It is a courtesy which is extended to anyone…not something that indicates a desire to become better acquainted with someone or to build a lasting relationship. Reason tells us then, that we must go further than mere introductions if we truly wish to build a lasting relationship with those who visit our Sunday school.

If you are thinking that our goal must be to draw these visitors who may not know Him to Christ, rather than to ourselves, you are quite right. However, as we exemplify the character of Christ in our lives, the task of bringing them to know Him will be much easier. The visitors who already have a personal relationship with the Savior will be more likely to choose to continue worshipping with believers who offer warmth and friendship and make every effort to include the "new people" in their fellowship and activities.

So what do you do after you have introduced the newcomer? You give them the same kind of attention that you offer the guest speaker or singer who comes to your church. You usually take care to be sure that they know where they should sit and often have someone sit with them. Many people rush to talk with them at the close of the service. You are usually anxious to know more about them and are careful to make sure that they know you are glad they came. You do all this because you feel they are important, and they feel good because they know you feel that way. Aren’t our visitors just as important? Do your really care if they ever come back? Are you willing to go out of your way to befriend them? If they are new to your community, would you take time from your crowded schedule to call them on the telephone or stop by their home with information that will help them become acquainted with the area? They will be interested to have information about the schools, medical facilities and shopping and will feel good about the extra effort you have made to help them adjust to new surroundings. They will be pleased if you introduce them to some of your friends and will probably respond in a favorable way if you invite them to your Sunday school class fellowship or social event.

The very best way to impact the lives of those with whom we come in contact, is to demonstrate love and concern for them. As we become more Christ-like in our relationships with others, they will be attracted to the One who makes us what we are. They will develop an interest in the Word of God and our Sunday schools will grow.

Make the most of your contacts with visitors and remember the following simple points…

Welcome visitors WARMLY.

Friendship brings benefits.

Commit your contacts to Christ.

Practice patience.

Praise the Lord for the results.

(This article appeared in the "Winter, 1997-98" issue of "The Herald.")