How does your planning include designating people to intentionally mingle, chat and offer listening and relationship building, connecting with the visitors at your events? Whether it is that flea market/yard sale you are hosting, plant sale, summer concert, carnival, guest speaker event, community BBQ, or something else, take time for deep listening. Ensure your planning allows for people to engage beyond passing out the refreshments. Go have refreshing talks at the tables. Introduce yourself and take time to visit. I received this note on May 31, from someone, currently without a church home, observant and curious, who attended an outdoor plant sale at a church in their neighbourhood on Saturday: “Church had free coffee, tea and muffins inside. Was fascinating to watch. Church members were very hospitable in offering food and drink but then nothing. I assumed that there would be some outreach to perhaps grow their church community but members seemed unable to go beyond the sharing of food. They answered questions but seemed uninterested in engaging with anyone other than church members.”
Another community of faith welcomed six hundred to eight hundred neighbours to their recent one day carnival event. Not even the downpours of rain dampened spirits.
How can we be intentional and focused on neighbours who support our outreach activities? How do we increase opportunities and possibilities to invite, welcome, connect and create belonging and grow? How are visitors included at worship?
Reach out to me and let’s talk about ways to increase your connections and ensure we are energized and engaged.
