The singing has already started. The Christians sit comfortably in their usual spots. As they sing, they glance down at the hymnbook every few lines. Before they get to the last line, they close the book and then bow their heads, anticipating the opening prayer.
In the back corner a young man slips in. His heart is pounding. He watches the song leader carefully to know what to do next. Will everyone stand up any moment now? Will they repeat the prayer? Will he get called up front to get saved? He feels conspicuous in his jeans and old tennis shoes. He fumbles in his Bible to find the passage and feels baffled by obscure references like, “Of course, we all remember the occasion when Balaam’s donkey talked to him.”
After many years of avoiding church, this man has just taken a major step: he has decided to give his life to God. That is a very intimidating thing for him. He has no idea what it will involve, but he knows it’s the right thing to do. He found the building that he was invited to by the preacher in jail (or at the mission, or on the back of the tract, or through the correspondence course…) and it took all of the courage he could muster to come inside.
When an assembly becomes involved in a prison or inner city ministry, we should expect this visitor at our meetings and be prepared to make him feel at home. If we are serious about seeing people saved and growing in faith and in the knowledge of Jesus Christ, we need a plan that will make our visitors feel welcome as well as providing healthy spiritual food.
Christians need to be aware of any visitors. It will mean moving out of our comfort zone, away from the friends we wanted to chat with, but a friendly “Hi” and an introduction from most of the people in the room will impact our new friend for good. We may feel awkward, but it doesn’t compare with how he feels standing all alone in a room full of strangers.
Be sensitive about conversation: some people are eager to share their life story with anyone who is willing to listen; others may be skittish about being bombarded with personal questions by a stranger.
Smile. Coming from jail or a mission, it has been a long time since our visitor has seen a sea of genuine, open smiles. This is what he is searching for. It will make a lasting impression.
Ask him if he has any questions about the message. If you don’t have the answer, don’t make one up. Ask the speaker, or get back to him later.
Tell him when the next activities are scheduled. If you have a bulletin, give him a copy. Write down your name and phone number so you can keep in touch; let him know it’s never a bad time to call.
Find out if he has a vehicle. If not, offer to give him a ride home and pick him up for other meetings.
Invite him to your home for a meal. Many times true friendships are formed away from the assembly building, in a one-on-one situation.
Find out his level of biblical understanding, and serve spiritual food that is appropriate and strengthening. Some assemblies offer adult Sunday School classes and Bible studies for newly saved people or those who are not familiar with the Bible. There are a number of excellent courses available. One suggestion is a series by Jean Gibson, Survey in Basic Christianity, Basic Christian Training, and Advanced Christian Training. Other assemblies feel it is best to include newcomers in their regular meetings. The preacher should be considerate by giving pointers on how to find the passage he’s discussing and not making assumptions that “of course, we all know…”
A fellowship may be doctrinally sound and following the New Testament pattern as closely as they know how, but if the body isn’t warm and receptive to newcomers, there will be no growth–no fresh life. It takes more than one or two who “are gifted in that kind of thing.” It requires a commitment from each member that their assembly will be a haven of nurture.