Accept One Another: Devotions From Time of GraceSample

Notice the Newbies

I hate first days. I hate being alone in a group where everybody else seems to know everybody else. I hate being ignorant of the group rituals, behaviors, and expectations. It doesn't take much to embarrass me at times like that, and if the experience is too stressful, I won't be back if I can avoid it.

Do you suppose people who visit your church feel like that? Experienced church shoppers get turned off easily enough--what do you suppose goes through the mind of a brand-new Christian when she dares to visit you? Or one who was burned by bad experiences or bad leadership in the past and is gingerly trying out the church world one last time?

Our Lord Jesus has a huge heart for newbies and the de-churched. It is his passion to kindle or rekindle the flame of faith in those hearts. "A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out" (Matthew 12:20).

The groups to which I came back a second time were ones where I was noticed and befriended, where it felt like the old-boy and old-girl networks would make room for me and make me feel welcome. Will you join me in church this Sunday and watch for the newbies?