I met a young couple from our church recently and asked why they chose RB Community to be their home. They shared that after the benediction, it takes them a while to get outside of the sanctuary because so many people greeted them by name. "Sometimes it takes thirty minutes to get to our car because people keep coming up to us to say ‘hello'." What a welcoming community! Current research on why guests return to a church will bring up numerous poll results. Every poll was different, but there seemed to be the following three in most of the polls:
The worship service is positive, relevant, biblically sound, and executed with heart and excellence.
The volunteers and congregation express authentic love and care.
The children’s ministry is outstanding.
Please allow me to unpack these. First, people seek a sense of awe of God. Our prayer at RB Community is that worship allows people to encounter God and experience the work of the Holy Spirit. What makes worship special is not the style, but the genuine sense of God’s wonder. God's grace blesses the church when people hunger for God (Psalm 42:1, "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.") When we sing words of adoration and proclaim the Word of God, our hearts align to Jesus as the King of this world. Second, in a world of digital media and now AI (artificial intelligence), people are parched for authenticity. Visitors can instantly read and feel the authenticity of the community. A common message we heard in seminary was that in the first seven minutes, newcomers have already decided if they want to come back. Beginning with the greeters at the door, our congregation smiles and communicates 'you matter' through their body language. Smiles beget smiles, and RB Community is a joy-filled church ready to serve. Finally, young families today are incredibly busy with school, sports, and activities. As a parent of three, we sometimes couldn't tell up from down. A children's ministry that kids love attending is more important than ever because God is the most important part of every human's life. Again, I thank God that we have Kid's Life with great leadership and a team of servants who make children feel seen and loved. We recently heard of a child who came to know the Lord! Why are people coming to RB Community? By His grace, God is building a place where we shine the love of Jesus, proclaim the good news, and exhibit a kingdom of God filled with people who are holy, loving, and ready to serve. That young couple is one of many seeking a church to call home, and God has already given us everything we need. Would you invite someone to church? When you see a new face, would you smile and ask for their name? If you see someone standing alone, go up and say, "It's great to see you!" Who knows? It may be God using you to connect them to a family. Welcoming people with you, Pastor Jason