Lead Well
With our journey of visiting fifty-two churches over, I can reflect more on the complete experience. Today, I’ll add to my thoughts about Church #49.
Out of several hundred people, only one greeted us before the service. His name was John, and we later learned he was the senior pastor.
For an extra-large church, it’s especially commendable for the senior pastor to personally greet people as they arrive. He is a worthy leader.
A better scenario is for members to welcome visitors and not expect paid staff to solely handle that responsibility. Surely in a church this size, some outgoing people could be recruited to handle this important task.
Even better would be for the people to just do it without being asked.
Leaders should never expect their followers to do something they don’t or won’t do themselves.
I commend John in setting the example for his congregation by being available and greeting visitors. What perplexes me is why we saw no one imitating his example.
Are they unwilling to follow their pastor? He is a worthy leader.
There must be an underlying issue at this church, and it makes me uncomfortable. I fear something is seriously wrong with the overall mindset of this congregation.
[See my reflections about Church #48 and Church #50 or start with Church #1.]
My wife and I visited a different Christian Church every Sunday for a year. This is our story. Get your copy of 52 Churches today, available in ebook, paperback, hardcover, and audiobook.
Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.
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