How to Be a Witness at Church
We are always making an impression whether we realize it or not. Over thirty years ago I experienced this truth when a man visited the church at which I was on staff for several weeks during which he heard announcements for an upcoming men’s retreat, at which there would be golf for those interested. In addition to the announcements, he also overheard the men talking about the retreat, and the golf, with great anticipation. He would tell us later that he had determined that this church was full of golfers and therefore of wealthy people since, to him, golf was a rich man’s game. He was persuaded to attend the retreat and even ride a cart and watch the golf, whereupon he was immediately disabused of his hasty conclusion. After watching me and others “golf” he realized, “These guys are NOT golfers! (and therefore not wealthy)”, felt more comfortable with us, and has been a faithful member of that church in the decades since.
“When unbelievers visit your church, they’re sizing up what it would be like to be a Christian.” These words from a seasoned pastor struck me as true when I read them several years ago, in part because of my experience with the brother who prejudged our abilities on the links. The pastor was saying that when a guest attends, she’s noticing how the insiders talk and act, and wondering whether she could ever fit in. While we can never control whether people inaccurately evaluate us (“You golf therefore you’re rich”), we can and should be aware that guests, including non-Christians, are listening and watching and therefore we should be willing to forgo unnecessary obstacles to helping them find Christ and a church home.
Be on Mission
Each Lord’s Day every pastor hopes and prays that his congregation will find food for their souls and leave better equipped to live for Christ than before they came. But in addition to your own spiritual benefit, you should determine to intentionally minister to others, especially those who are new. This requires being there, regularly. It requires being there on time to identify those you don’t recognize. It requires forgoing conversation with those you know in favor of those you don’t. In doing these things, you are serving, and what better time to engage intentional service than when we gather before the One Who called us to be His servants?
Be Guest-Sensitive
This requires putting yourself in the shoes of a guest, remembering what it is like to be an outsider. It also involves putting away lesser things in favor of what is most important, the gospel. It means intentionally identifying what may be needlessly offensive and subordinating it to the larger objective of seeing one come to Christ or having the opportunity to grow in Christ. Consider, for example: While I’m thankful our Constitution provides for gun ownership for self-defense, I also know that many in our society are greatly concerned at the ubiquity of guns in our country. It’s possible to own and even carry, but also subordinate that to the greater good of connecting with a fellow sinner in the need of the Savior, no? It’s good and right to be aware of the political situation in our country without endorsing controversial politicians or positions that may alienate one who needs what your church has to offer. Appropriate self-censorship in the interest of mission is a trait of a mature believer in Christ because …
Be an Ambassador
Paul told the Corinthians that “we are Christ’s ambassadors” (2 Corinthians 5:20). He previously told that same church that he would relinquish his rights for the sake of the gospel: “We did not use this right. On the contrary, we put up with anything rather than hinder the gospel of Christ” (1 Corinthians 9:12). He went on to say:
Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. (1 Corinthians 9:19-22)
Rather than take an approach that says, “People just need to take me as I am, like it or not, take it or leave it”, Paul was willing subordinate all non-essentials for the sake of Christ. May we be willing to do the same, including every time we gather in His name.
Ken Brown is the pastor of Community Bible Church in Trenton, MI. We republish his article by permission.
Good focus. My wife and I were trained by the legendary youth pastor Don Nelson at 4th Baptist in Minneapolis back in the 1960s. He pushed all of us to reach out to the many visitors coming to our evangelistic focused youth activities. He would say, “Be their friend!” That meant — get to known them, introduce them to others, sit with them, and stick close to them for the evening. We still do that in our church life almost 60 years later. It is our mission. Breaking down barriers, and building relationships. The dynamic youth ministry drew them in, but the personal connection built the relationship. God gave the increase. We’ve never lost that habit.