In our church, we take a few minutes to greet one another between worship and the message. Most churches do. These few minutes are rich and should not be overlooked as something to get out of the way. On the contrary, they can powerfully minister to visiting guests and regular attendees alike. These moments are a chance to show the Father’s love with a warm smile or kind word.
Why Do You Go To Church?
Assuming that you are a servant whose heart is set on sharing the Father’s love, when attending a service, one might think that is the time to sit back and soak in the Pastor’s fresh word.
Servants know better. Servants don’t go to church to be served, they go to church to serve.
John 13:14-15 says, “If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.” Jesus showed that serving others is how we live out His love.
A Few Minutes Really Can Make a Difference
Servants are always alert and mindful of any opportunity that may arise. These few minutes to “Meet and Greet” that I have just alluded to are opportunities to engage the church family, a time to love on those that the LORD has brought into your fellowship, especially those visiting for the first, second, or third time. Look forward with anticipation to greet your guests and those around you. For a newcomer, these moments can feel awkward because they don’t know anyone or what to do with themselves. Remove the awkwardness and genuinely love on those around you by introducing yourself and welcoming them with a firm handshake. People love to be loved. A simple “Glad you’re here!” can make a shy guest feel at home, opening their heart to the Father’s love.
The Heart of a Servant
A servant’s heart looks for ways to show the Father’s love in every moment. Those few minutes of greeting are more than small talk; they’re a chance to make someone feel seen and valued. When you greet others with genuine care, you reflect the Father’s heart, just as Jesus did when He served others.
Praying for People Naturally Creates Intimacy
After having prayed for the church body throughout the week, (even for new guests that you have not yet met); when you greet them and love on them during those few minutes in a service each week, there is power that flows, ministry that the Holy Spirit works in and through. The more you pray for that individual, the more compassion and love you will have for that person. You will find that a genuine love will naturally exude from you toward that individual. This love grows from praying for them, preparing your heart to show kindness without expecting anything back.
Keep in mind that this is a “Meet and Greet” moment, not a counseling session. It’s a time to introduce the love of the Father. It’s not fake, but genuine. It’s not done with a plastic smile, but rather with genuine care that has been bathed in prayer for the past week.
How to Pray for Your Guests
You ask, “How should I pray for guests during the week?” The thing to keep in mind is that God brought these guests into your fellowship. As good stewards, we need to bathe them in prayer. Ask the LORD to touch their heart, and trust the Holy Spirit to meet their need where they are. Remember, your role is to love on people, it’s the Holy Spirit who meets their need where they are. Don’t make the mistake of playing the role of the Holy Spirit. That offends Him and is simply not your place.
When you pray for your guests and people within the church body, have a listening ear. Listen to what the Holy Spirit is saying and be quick to respond to His voice. Be sure not to get that backwards. Our tendency is to speak first in the name of “listening” to see what God will do. No, first listen to the Holy Spirit, and when He tells you to speak, speak. Until He speaks, love on them.
Kingdom Focus
One final note. Some may read this article and think to themselves, “Now that is a great strategy to get people to attend our church”. If that is you, you have missed the point entirely. The objective is not to get people to attend your church. Let me say that again, and this time, I’ll write it slowly. The objective is not to get people to attend your church. The one and only objective is to make disciples, by loving with the love of the Father. That’s what Jesus did. Do not play “Holy Spirit”. Selflessly love with His focus in mind, pointing people to the Father. It is the Father that heals and restores. As a servant, your act of kindness bathed in love is like medicine in the hand of God.
The Lasting Impact of Love
Those few minutes of greeting can leave a lasting mark. A kind word or a warm welcome can lift someone’s spirit, showing them the Father’s love in a way that stays with them. By loving others selflessly, you become a reflection of His heart, helping others feel valued. Keep serving with love, and watch how the Father uses those moments to change lives.