MNO Synod Bishop's Message Archives

Canada Lutheran article – January/February 2007

In a conversation with friends we were talking about the number of moves
we have made as a family. We have resided in six towns and for our eldest
son, it has meant thirteen homes he has lived in until he left home at age 24.
It’s not surprising that he bought his own home several years ago and has
every intention of remaining for several more to come.

The reality of those numbers gave us some concern. We wondered if we had
caused our children to live anxious lives, having to readjust to a new community
so often. Upon reflection, they indicated sometimes it was difficult, but in most
cases it was not. Wherever we lived, we had a ready made community. The
pastors family was welcomed and included in the life of the community.

But that is not the reality for many who come to new communities. We are a highly mobile country. In the study guide for the Evangelical Declaration of the ELCIC, Being Disciples and Making Disciples, the authors quote the Vanier Institute of the Family which says that only one in three Canadians (35%) had lived in their residence for ten years or more and one in twenty had never moved.

What are we doing to welcome people into our communities? How are we encouraging people to have a sense of identity, a place to contribute to the lives of others, and a sense of purpose for a person’s own life? What steps have we taken to help people develop a sense of community?

Several years ago our family was on vacation and attended two congregations of equal size on successive Sundays. On the first Sunday we arrived early for worship. The people were gathered in groups and pretty much ignored us. My spouse asked where the bulletins were at and a finger was pointed in the direction that he needed to go. During communion, our pew was bypassed and we were not welcomed to the table. Needless to say we left unwelcome and discouraged by our experience.

The next Sunday we arrived at worship, were greeted, handed bulletins and in a casual conversation the usher indicted where the best place to sit could be found. As others arrived they came over and spoke with us. After worship we were invited to lunch and had a wonderful time in the community.

Had we been potential newcomers to those communities I know which one I would have stayed in and become a part of. I know where my gifts and experiences would have been welcomed.

Look around on Sunday morning. Who has been welcomed in your own community? Ask them why they have become part of the faith and worshiping community? Maybe you need to ask what you could be doing different or better that would encourage a welcoming spirit in your own community.

The congregation we attend as family has an “Invite a friend” Sunday for its Sunday school. In the past two years I can name six families who have joined as a result of that initial invitation. This is intentional evangelism. What makes it even better is that it’s not only the children inviting and welcoming. The adults are inviting as well.

Do you have a story of welcoming? Share it on the Bishop’s blog.