Newcomers & Guests

My role at PF is at times ambiguous; aside from being PC’s wife, the answerer of questions, the last-minute detailer, etc., I serve as the overseer of newcomers. Having found this to be natural my whole life makes this an easy fit for me.

One of the first things we noticed about PF was the friendliness and warmth of the people. That has not changed! We hear time and time again about how much people feel welcomed and accepted when they walk through the doors. This is one thing that sets our church apart from others. Let me encourage you to continue to be that church! We see between 50-100 visitors walk through our doors every week; some for the first time, others returning. These are souls looking for what can fill the void in their lives, and we should do everything we can to make it easier for them to connect with God.

It may seem that we have an over-the-top attitude for our guests, but if we can all view it from the perspective of welcoming them into our “home,” you will realize that is exactly how it should be. When I’m expecting company in my home, I do my best to clean up, get out my best dishes and spend time fixing something special for them. We try to make them feel wanted and special…no different at church!

This is also why I’m so very excited for our Not Without You plan! It will allow us the space to really connect with people and make them feel welcomed. There will be at least 40 different spaces where people can sit and chat. Right now, we have one. Think about it! This is a great time not only for us to welcome visitors, but to connect with each other!

There is a church in Minneapolis that encourages the 30/30 principle: come 30 minutes early and stay 30 minutes after service just to connect with others. I would encourage you to think about this and if not 30, make it 10/10 or 20/20. We are exhorted in the scripture to “Spur one another one on…” I would like you to pick up this challenge and run with it! Be the church God has called us to be! Praise FELLOWSHIP!

Joy Apple