If you’re new today…

You probably had somebody turn up at church last Sunday, and they hadn’t been in your building before.

And the pastor at some point welcomed such a person from the front, acknowledging their presence.  Maybe they pointed them to the coffee, or the Welcome desk.

Now think How did the pastor describe them?  And what would they have made of that?

“If you’re new today…”

I’m new – so tell me what I need to know

If you’re a visitor today…

I’m a visitor – so you think I’m just passing through; I might be back, I might not.

If you’re a guest today…

I’m a guest – so someone brought me, and you think I don’t really belong here on my own.

If you’re here for the first time today…

I’m a first-timer – so better pay attention

One week later, that same person comes back.  What does the pastor say, and what does the person hear this time?

If you’re new today…

I’m still feeling new – I’ve been coming for two weeks, and I still don’t know anyone really.

If you’re a visitor today…

I’m still a visitor – next week, I might be back, I might not.

If you’re a guest today…

I still feel like a guest, and I don’t really belong here on my own.

If you’re here for the first time today…

That’s not me; I’m here for the second time – so you think maybe I belong!

What do you think? Maybe we need to watch those little descriptions carefully…