The Future is Ready. Are You?

Many want a green card... but I just want a yellow card. One of my plans before is to be a citizen of this particular city. Why? because of the perks, freebies, and more freebies and free services, especially if you're a senior citizen. (Maybe you know by now what city I'm referring to.)

I even go an extra mile by changing my address and transfer my registration. But when I was looking at the list of requirements for my registration transfer, I took a long pause and asked myself, "Why I'm doing this? It's for my future needs and security..." then it reminds me of something...

People really prepare for the future, for what is good and has their best interest and nothing  is wrong in that. 

These days, the future comes at us faster than ever before.  We live in an age of accelerating returns, in which technological advancement moves at an exponential rate.  In ten years, no industry will look like it does now.  In twenty years many, if not most, of today’s jobs will be completely obsolete. Many people like to philosophize about the future. That means not merely thinking about the future, but actively working to uncover its secrets. While other people prepare  for opportunities so that they can take advantage of them when they come. We live in a day and time when a big part of our money, time, and energy is devoted to preparing for the security of our futures.  

We plan for our career growth - to be successful if not on top.

We plan to meet that 'special someone' or partner - finding 'forever'.

We plan for our family - to provide everything they need. 

We plan for our kids future - to send them on the best university. 

We plan for our retirement - to enjoy our remaining years.

We plan our investments -  so our "nest egg" will be nice and plump by the time we reach our golden years.

There is nothing wrong with preparing for the future, but we must have our priorities straight. Is it more important to lay up treasures on earth or in heaven? 

Are we spending more time preparing for our temporal future here on earth, or our eternal future in heaven with the Father?

I asked these to myself to examine what are my true motives for my future. 
1. Am I seeking to accomplish God's will, or my will in the way I am preparing for my future? We must consider our true motives for the assets we set aside for the future. We should ask, "Am I keeping back from God now, so I can enjoy it on myself down the road?" 
2. Am I seeking first the "kingdom of God" (Matt. 6:33), or am I seeking first the kingdom of <my name>?

We must also remember that we are not promised another day on this earth.

 James gave a warning to those who would say "today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit" (James 4:13). 

 "Whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. Instead you ought to say, "If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that." But now you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil" (James 4:14,15). 

Are we laying up spiritual treasures or worldly possessions?

 We must remember the context Jesus was speaking of when He told us to seek first the kingdom of God. Jesus told us that by doing so, God would provide those essential things we need in life. It's a matter of trust in God! When we neglect the work of the kingdom in the present, by going overboard on preparing for the future, we are showing a lack of faith in God's providential care.

We plan for our career growth – why not plan for your real mission here on Earth? Do you even know your mission?

We plan to meet that 'special someone' or partner - Are you prepare to meet Him today?

We plan for our family needs -   Why not trust God to provide those essential things we need in life?

We plan for our kids future – Why not prepare the kids for their mission?  

We plan for our retirement – why plan for a lifetime if you can plan for eternity?

We plan our investments -  why not invest in heaven for eternity than here on earth where everything is temporary?  

Remember that God wants to fulfill every plan and purpose He has for your life. Consider also a few more words: "Remember that from now on you do not make your own decisions. You find out God's decisions and make them yours." - Derek Prince.

There is one more thing to remember, too: "God gives His best to those who leave the choice to Him."

Happy Planning!

Analou

The Promotion That Got Away

“I'm never jealous nor envious of others fortuitous . . . but merely an equality-seeker!” - Mizpah Erica Buensuceso

What will you do if your management questionably promoted some folks to a senior title and you’re one of those people, who have worked hard with the company for years and due to some technicalities were not promoted at all?

Sometimes, employers don't always promote the most qualified or deserving candidates. If another employee gets the promotion you've been eyeing, you'll most likely experience a barrage of emotions, such as jealousy, anger or resentment. When it's an unfair promotion, you might not know how to cope with your emotions and might even think about finding another job or career path.

But honestly, you don't have to abandon ship -- you can deal with an unfair promotion in the office without giving up all hope.

The New York Times consultant John Beeson suggests:

1.  Say as little as possible, because you may be tempted to say something you later regret and if you’ll say anything to your boss, just let him know that you're disappointed.

2. Schedule a quiet time to talk to your boss and ask him to help you understand the situation and ask for feedback why you were passed over.

3. Seek for advise and ask for examples of exactly what you should focus on so you're the most qualified candidate the next time around.

What Went Wrong?

“Promotions based on tenure ship is a perfect example of 'demerit system'. It should be based solely on one's performance, attitude and dedication towards work.” -  Mizpah Erica Buensuceso

In other case, you are not expecting a promotion because you know that you're not eligible, but viola! You were surprise that few laid back tenured folks stepped a notch higher! 

Sometimes, promotions occur for truly unfair reasons. It's not just that another candidate was more qualified or tenured than you, because we all know that ‘tenured’ is not equal to ‘skilled’ - it's due to other circumstances.

It's disappointing that sometimes situation like this happened in climbing the corporate ladder. According to career coach Joan Lloyd on her site Jobdig, if you are confronted by a really unfair promotion, you need to think about how far you want to take your concerns, says executive. You could consider seeking legal advice or maybe by simply talking to your boss.

But many times, you may have to grin and bear it. Be positive about it. Turn this issue as an opportunity to grow emotionally and professionally.

Think of this reason before giving in to your emotion and throw hot coffee to someone else’s face -> This kind of promotion is a huge surprise for everyone, even for the people who honestly didn't expect to be promoted. It's the company's discretion, and for some circumstances your boss doesn't have control over it.

This issue reminds me of The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard (Matthew 20:1-16).

The parable goes like this - The owner of a vineyard hires day laborers at various times throughout the day. When it is time to pay the workers, all of them get the same pay regardless of how long they have worked - the ones hired at six o'clock in the morning put in a full day’s work and those hired at five o'clock in the afternoon put in only one hour of work – the owner pays everyone a full day’s wage.

The employer pays all of the workers exactly what he promised.  He is not trying to cheat them.  They all agreed to work for a set amount, but at the end of the day the workers who worked the longest felt it was unfair that those who were hired last got paid the same.  The issue is envy and their sense of fairness, which has been offended.

Many scholars assumed that this parable is about work since it involves laborers and managers. It seems to say, “Don't compare your pay to others” or “Don't be dissatisfied if others get paid more or work less than you do in a similar job.” If you earn a decent wage, why make yourself miserable because others have it even better?

And does Jesus really mean that we should be content when other workers are treated unfairly?

If we’ll take the parable literally and applied it to our society it will be like:

1.      Paying people equally regardless of how much work they do.

2.     Everyone knows everyone else's salary.

3.     Huge incentive and pay for nonperforming worker.

Aren’t these points questionable business practice? It will promote tardiness and laziness since you’ll still get the whole day’s pay regardless of how much work you do.  This is definitely not a recipe for business success.

Does Jesus really advocate this pay practice?

Perhaps the parable is not really about work. The parable says “the first will be last, and the last will be first” (Matt. 20:16). This suggests that the story is about whom the kingdom belongs and entry into God’s kingdom is not gained by our work or action, but by the generosity of God.

Once we understand the parable to be about God’s generosity in the kingdom of heaven, we may still ask how it applies to work. If you are being paid fairly, the advice about being content with your wage may stand. If another worker receives an unexpected benefit, wouldn't it be graceful to rejoice, rather than grumble?

If the vineyard owner represents God, this is a powerful message of hope to everyone struggling to find equality.  A sense of fairness is a human trait.  God, by contrast is extravagantly loving and gracious.  God showers us with love and forgiveness and acceptance and grace.  God’s love for us is not dependent upon any sense of what is fair. He loves us all, sinners and saints.  The message in verse 16, “the last will be first, and the first last,” is that no matter how long or how hard a believer works during his lifetime, the reward of eternal life will be the same given to all. Also the scripture also teaches us that there are different rewards in heaven for different services, but the ultimate reward of eternal life will be achieved by all equally.

Finally, losing out on a promotion you deserved isn't the end of the world and it’s not the end of your career, either. As one career counselor says:

"Really successful people use [rejection] as a learning experience, they don't let it immobilize them. They use it as an opportunity to develop and exhibit resilience."  - Dr.Janet Scarborough 

*A heartfelt Thanks to my dearest editor – Mizpah Erica Buensuceso

For fairness and equality,

Analou 

Are there Gossips among Us?

A recent situation that I’ve been into made me to study further of this one of the most dangerous sins in our life - Gossip. 

Gossip is so subtle and ambiguous - many are unable to recognize it, including myself, so join me and let’s take a deeper look on this harmless chit-chat that pumps a little excitement in the air of a boring office, classroom, neighborhood or anywhere conversation.

So what is Gossip?

Gossip has been defined as an idle talk or compulsive chattering and news-mongering, including the spreading of groundless rumor. It is a ticking bomb of rumors, innuendos, half-truths, and hurtful truths. However it is not always hostile or malevolent.

It might be true or false, either way we’re wrong to share them and when we do, we rob the person involved. Gossip is stealing. If false it’s stealing their good character. If true it’s taking away their right of privacy and ownership of their own story.  If someone is unexpectedly pregnant – no need for you to spread it, she will tell it to the world and she will announce it to her family and friends, including you. It’s her news to share, not yours to ponder aloud. If the couple’s relationship is on the rocks and gets separated, it’s their announcement to make (or not). If they don’t make it, it’s not yours to take from them and announce it.

And what the Bible tells us about Gossip?

It says the tongue is our worst enemy. "The tongue is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person," (James 3:6)

In the book of Romans, Paul includes gossip among the sins of murder, envy, greed, deceit and malice. He said "those who do such things deserve death."

Proverbs offers several verses on the subject. A gossip "betrays a confidence" (11:13) and "separates close friends" (16:28). Proverbs 18:8 says, "The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to a man's inmost parts."

When we say mean things about others, we're inflicting emotional pain on them. Instead of punching them in the nose, we're shooting daggers into their heart.

As Christians, we're supposed to honor God in all areas of our lives and walk like Jesus Christ. Talking negatively about friends or strangers does not show Christ's unconditional love. We should and must stay clear out of it to protect ourselves and others from its collateral damage.

So, what should we do when we encounter gossip?

1. Speak out. Kindly but firmly tell your friends gossip is hurtful and that no one benefits from it.

2. Be positive. Turn the conversation around by saying something nice about the person being talked about and lastly…

3. Walk away. Don't be part of the problem by sticking around to listen.

Gossip in the church

You've probably heard gossip everywhere—at work, in school, in the mall, on social network. How about in our church? You'd think stuff like this wouldn't happen in church sanctuaries or group meetings, right? Wrong, unfortunately. And the scary thing is we may not even realize it. Gossip may not be as blatant at church as it is at work or school, but it can still show its ugly face.

For example, one of your friends tells you her problem, or someone has serious issues in life, and she asks for prayer. Do you find yourself wanting to notify the church prayer group and any other Christians, who are close to you? Anyone you can think of—all with the seemingly good intention of just wanting a chain of prayer for your dear friend?

Unfortunately, we've all been guilty of gossip at one time or another—intentional or not. Based on what I’ve searched, if you encountered something like this - stop, drop and …

1. Resist the urge. She confided in you, not the entire church congregation. Don't break her trust, even if it's for something as apparently good as a prayer request.

2. Pray. Get on your knees and do as your friend asked—talk to God and ask for guidance.

3. Talk to your friend. Ask your friend if she'd like you to share her prayer concern with anyone else, and if so, who? Talk to her before you disclose any personal information.

And sometimes we've all been the victim of it too. How should we react when we discover a trusted friend has been saying mean things about us?

Yes, it hurts, but it has hope. You can do several things.

1. Go to God. Talk, cry, or scream— whatever it takes to resolve your feelings and hurt. Just hand it over to him.

2. Forgive. You can only do this by the grace of God. And you need to—no matter how difficult it is.  You can read   Matthew 6:14-15 for some help.  Forgive your friend first in your heart even if she/he doesn’t deserve or ask for forgiveness. Ask God for guidance and healing.

3. Confront. When your emotions are under control, tell the person or people, in a Christian manner, how their words made you feel.  Then tell them you forgive them. Hopefully, this will help you move on with your friendship. Sure, things were a little tense at first, but after a while everything will be back to the way it was before.

So, how do we know if we’re spreading gossip or sharing legitimate news or concern about the other person?

If you’re sharing a story and you’re not part of the plot, the problem, or the solution, its gossip. That’s the perfect summation.

Serious Matter

However, sometimes serious offenses happened which cannot be solved between individuals. Things that we cannot face or solve alone and gone out of control.

Should we 'report' the matter? Would this be a case of gossiping about the gossip?

At this point we must ask for help and 'tell it unto the church' (Matthew 18:17).

Satan is very clever and creative – he will do anything to create havoc and confusion in the body of Christ. Satan will whisper into the ear of every believer "keep the gossip within yourself; remember it is not right to gossip".

But think of this - If we saw a seriously injured individual bleeding in the street, would we not call an ambulance? If we saw a terrorist planting a bomb on our church premises, would we not raise the alarm? It would be very wrong not to do so, and to protect a gossip is just as bad. Satan is all smiles with satisfaction and evil delights seeing Christian’s getting quiet, protecting sinful conduct, or ignoring issues - including gossiping. So, ask for help. If the high crime of gossip breaks out and  injure a fellowship, it is high time for members to talk to the church officers and do necessary action.

With all that – Let’s keep all of these in mind on how to deal with gossip, whether we’ll be as a recipient or a participant.  

But more importantly let us learn more about God's love, so we’ll learn how to love others and the importance of fellowship and encouraging others—and that never includes gossip.

May your life be gossip and rumor free and may you be blessed from above every day! Be kinder than necessary, and share with the world something only you can give them, you…at your best!

'Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings' (1 Peter 2.1). Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice'  (Ephesians 4.31). Because 'Nor revilers…shall inherit the kingdom of God' (1 Corinthians 6.10).

I've learned my lesson,

Analou

Praying Out Loud

“Can you please lead the prayer?” 

As a Christian we’re often ask to pray. When I was newly baptized I turned down some opportunity to pray, yes I said “No”, shame on me. I said no because I was so shy, I am a nervous wreck, and I don’t feel adequate or spiritual enough to pray. I feel it hard to pray out loud. 

Why is it so hard to pray out loud? Was it because of the audience? 

We may be afraid of speaking in front of people.  A survey discovered that people’s number one fear is public speaking—ahead of the fear of death! Add the fact that we do not want to say something senseless.

I guess simply because it’s Out. Loud. There are people present. They’re listening, and they all seem to know exactly what to say to God. They know how to pray, they don’t stumble over their words, and they seem to find a way to come up with a beginning, middle, and end on the spot. We may have heard somebody pray in such an amazing way that we thought—I could never ever do that! To put it short we’re more intimidated than embarrassed.

     If you are frightened of praying aloud, it’s OK! Many people are. Count me in. Even I sometimes lost for words. Praying out loud is being vulnerable and pouring your heart out and it is open for all to see and hear but - praying is laying your heart out to God.

Here are some tips that could help us, yes US, because even I practice this tips, because like you I am not yet good in praying out loud. 

1. Remember you are talking to our heavenly Father, not the people around you. Prayer is a conversation between you and God. He is always pleased with your prayers.

2. If you have a moment, pause before you pray out loud and then pray (in your head) and ask God to lead you in the prayer.

3. Prepare by praying out loud when you are alone. It won’t seem so awkward later when you do it in front of others.

4. Jot down a few thoughts, ideas, or specific requests on a piece of paper and use it as a focal point to guide your prayer. I have a personal prayer notebook because I know I am better in writing out my feelings than saying it into words.

5. Pray with one or two friends or family members.

6. Keep it simple and short. I’m not saying that long prayer is not a good idea, but you’ll get there. Also we can never forget one of the most popular examples of a short prayer, spoken by the thief on the cross that caught our Lord’s attention. He simply said,

“Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom" (Luke 23:42, NIV).

7. Be yourself. Talk like you talk. Share what is on your heart. Simply Be You.

8. Do it again and again and again. Being an expert takes time, not talent and practice helps us grow.

9. Volunteer to pray, don’t wait to be asked and caught unprepared. Go first—dive in!

10. If you are feeling very nervous or emotional while praying, it’s OK to acknowledge that you can’t put your thoughts into words.

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness, for we do not know how we should pray, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with inexpressible groaning’s. (Romans 8:26)

God wants to use you in prayer with others. There is power when we pray out loud. People are encouraged and lifted when they hear our prayers. God longs to hear His children pray.

I wish you fantastic success and growth. Getting closer to God, our Heavenly Father, is a lifelong process, in fact, it's an eternal process. Therefore this is not a sprint, it's a marathon. The rewards, like in any worthwhile endeavor, far, far outweigh any effort that is required.

Standing up by kneeling down,

Analou

What other tips would you offer?

The Only Way Up is Going Down

“Whoever wants to be great must become a servant.” ~ Matthew 20:26

I started writing when I was in high school and then blogging in college.

I've lost count of how many posts I've written and blog I've managed. 

There's Luna's Lake (about my high school and college life), Princess Attic (my Korea & Japan craziness), and few little blogs here and there  and finally this- Off the Beaten Path.     

There was a time in my crazy blogging life when blog statistics - the number of my visitors or web traffic really matter to me. A whole lot.  I do fret about numbers.

It affects my mood in writing; I get inspired whenever my post has been reached by so many readers. Have they liked, inspired, informed, and awed by it? An old familiar needy friends called Affirmation and Success creeped in. My stats go sky high together with my ego and pride. 

Then I get gloomy and sulky when no one seems to notice or appreciate my piece. I sat and looked at my low stat meter feeling small, feeling worthless, feeling depress.

Humans are like that. Need to gain every one’s approval. Need to be validated. Need to be appreciated.

Then before I know it I get tired and I cannot write. I thought I was having a writer’s block.

It wasn't until now that I realized the real reason for my lack of ability to write is - my Heart.

My heart was not full of God.  It was full of Myself.

How many followers do I have? Hundreds? Thousands? Millions?

And then I've read His story -  a story of a Man who has only 12 followers and down to 11 when He lost one.

That story alone brought me to my knees and burst into tears and humbled me.

His grace woke me up and emptied my heart  from foolishness before it’s too late.

And His life will always keep me grounded.

Starting today I will not care if I have a follower or none.

I started this new blog because I couldn't dare keep quiet about the miracle that God wrote in my life and not because I want to be praised but to praise Him.

He delivered me from darkness into the loving arms of my new friends and family and especially into His loving arms. Wherein I am forever be grateful.

And to start my journey and to rebirth my blog - I’m excitedly taking it to the next level.

How? By taking down my sitemeter (page visit counter) or stat meter and the number of followers. I’m not going to live in numbers anymore, because I’m writing for the only One. Who knows my article even before I write, post, or publish it. All of my work will be praise for Him.Walking and writing my life as one of my worship to Him. 

Yes maybe what I am writing is just purely my story – My messed up life which trying to live each day by His standard. Though my writing is probably “too Christian” for unbelievers and “not Christian enough” for some people of faith but this is all I humbly have as of now.

Sometimes I wonder if it’s worth it,will it work, will it matter? Doubts growing in. Sometimes our enemy throws everything he can to silence us.

Satan likes love to take something good and twist our hearts, and making a servant of God, into his slave. 

Add the fact that staying on this course and the intention He placed in my heart has been a challenge.  I’m blogging from my heart, my feelings, and my experience, and this challenges me to make it less  NOT about me but MORE ABOUT HIM.

I know there were other bloggers out there writing to serve the heart of God.  I knew they wrote – and I knew they were gifted – and I knew that God was indeed honored. I wonder if they fought the same fight to move beyond the “me” and into “Him”.

As I pray for every word that I typed, for every topic that I weaved, and for every message that I wrote, for every story that I shared, and for every bit of me that I peeled. Those words were not from me but from Him and if by chance one soul was touched by my story – it will be because of His grace and not because of me. Because each word I type was from Him and for Him...

“You are always a success when you are serving because the way to be great in the upside down kingdom is not climb higher but to go lower.”

– Ann Voskamp

Join me as I’m taking my blog, my writing life, and my service to a humbly next level - by not jotting down numbers but worshiping Him by words.

May we walk our life as our worship to Him 

and take our Christian life to a higher level.

And the next level is to go lower – to humble ourselves further.

Because the only way Up is going Down.

In precious name of Jesus. Amen.

Forgiveness

I've been enjoying an article for a while now and I want to share it with you.

It's about Forgiveness and of what it is NOT  - written by William Earnhardt 

As a Christian I thought I already knew this one essential thing in life called - Forgiveness.

If someone has wronged me, I must ask His heavenly grace to forgive that person.

I’m the one, who will forgive that person.

But think of this:

“Christ was treated as we deserve, that we might be treated as He deserves. He was condemned for our sins, in which He had no share, that we might be justified by His righteousness, in which we had no share. He suffered the death which was ours, that we might receive the life which was His. “With His stripes we are healed.”  -Ellen White, Desire of Ages, Page 25 

When Jesus died on the cross – He took all the punishment for our sins so that we can now be treated the way He deserves to be treated.

It says our sins, not only mine, not only yours but also our enemy’s sin - OUR sins!

Jesus took the punishment for my enemy’s sins so my enemy will also be treated the way Jesus deserves to be treated.

He suffered for sins committed against us.

So why do we need to take it out on our enemy when it has already been taken out on Jesus?

Forgiveness is not in our hands to give but in His hands. 

Now that’s taking Forgiveness to a whole new level.

Put the offender in Christ's hands and let Him deal with their sins.

Give it to God. For God alone understands more than anyone the pain and humiliation you feel.  

And Jesus felt more pain, rejection, and humiliation than any person.  

Pray for those people, who have wronged us that they will respond to God's Holy Spirit so they can be healed too.

I know as a human, it is easier to dwell on the issue over and over again than to think of ways of accepting things and surrendering all to HIM.

We’re more focus in our selves, we felt used, abused, molested, cheated, neglected, insulted, demeaned, bullied, betrayed, deceived, swindled, and hurt in some other way that you resent and the very thought of makes you angry. Sometimes we even thought of ways to avenge ourselves just to let them feel how hurt it was and make them pay.  The feel of injustice has been taken place. Ways of human.

Moreover it hurt a million folds when the person involved is close in our heart - family, church family, girl/boyfriend or a friend.  Broken heart and broken trust.

However retaliation against our enemy will never bring healing.

Remember we’re all healed by the stripes of Jesus, and not by the stripes of our enemy.

“Forgiveness and reconciliation is not saying “It’s okay.” It is saying, “I realize Jesus suffered for your sins on the cross.” It is realizing I am healed by the stripes Jesus received and not by the stripes my enemy receives. We have to be pretty sick ourselves to think that in order for us to be healed, someone else has to be hurt. Jesus does not have to hurt my enemy in order to heal me.” - William Earnhardt

In other words, totally release the person of iniquity, as Jesus Christ releases the person of sin, when they accept His death and life, through HIS blood. However we cannot forgive sin like He does, for only His blood can do that. We release the person to His love and justice and set ourselves free in the process.

This is hard and impossible to do as a human but as we walk our life as a Christ like people and seeing things through His eyes, it makes us a loving and understanding people.

Yes, maybe someday I will remember what happened, but I will no longer be bound by it.

He has taken care of my wounds as He has forgiven the one who made them.

And knowing this truth changed my view about forgiveness and I will never look at the person who has wronged me the same way again.

"While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." - Romans 5:8,

  

I may be wrong or misinterpret the real message in one way or another – How about you? What is your definition of Forgiveness? Please share your thoughts below.  

Church Hospitality - How do you treat your first time guest?

Walking into a church for a first time guest or former member can be scary, and/or intimidating.  

You've been a decade or two in your church, so long that maybe you've forgotten what it’s like to enter the church for the first time.

So how do you welcome your first-time guest or former member feel at home?

Sometimes we need to try to see our church like a first-time guest’s point of view to understand them. 

Below is a list of ways on how a congregation, and more specifically you as a member, can love all, who walk through your church door - believers or not.

This is an adapted list from the book Now Go Forward by J. David Eschelman. 

1.  The most important person for a visitor to talk to in order to feel at home is, news flash - YOU.  Every church member is a host  and not a guest. Making visitors feel welcome is primarily the responsibility of members, not by the “church.” It is not the pastor, the elder, or the greeter, but from a regular member. Eshleman says “One of the most impressive gestures we can extend to first time visitors is for people with no official position to take the initiative and welcome them”. 

      I remember that one faithful day I walked in our church for the first time in long years, I was so nervous.  I don’t know what to do and what would be their (church members) reactions once they saw me –a former member. I felt anxious but Praise God for one church member, who greeted me first with an earnest hand shake and warmest smile. I instantly felt comfortable, that person’s sincere greeting told me that everything would be alright. The congregation welcomed me like a family but I’ll never forget that person's warm smile. Warm smile really does wonders.    

2.  Treat first time visitors as guests of God, not strangers passing by.

3.  Smile at everyone and offer your hand.

4.  Look people in the eye and smile.

5.  Take the initiative; don’t wait for visitors to initiate conversation with you or greet you.

6.  Learn people’s names and remember them.

7.  Use [only] appropriate and allowed touch such as a hand shake or a gentle pat on the back.

8.  Ask questions and learn about your guests. Express sincere interest in them.

9.  Listening is a very effective way to show love.

10.  Greet children at their level and let them be children don’t expect them to be grown-ups.

11.  Invite visitors to join you at something, anything! Invite them to have lunch with you and invite them on service/program in the afternoon. 

12.  Never let new people sit alone.  Eschelman says, “New people should never have to sit alone. Take initiative and go to them without delay.”

13.  Help visitors find seating that suits their family’s needs.

14. Help first time visitors by being their ‘tour guide’, visiting  a new church is like a cross-cultural experience, even for those of us who have visited dozens of other churches.

15.  Tell people you’re glad they are here.

16. Be yourself! - You are a loving person and has a capacity to love more.       

17  Especially, include them in your Prayer, that they will continue visiting your church and like one Pastor said – “Whatever they came desiring to find, pray that Jesus Christ will give them what they need”.

I think people form opinions on first meetings. They said first impression is the last impression. They form a particular image of who we are based on our looks and body language.

So as a representative of Jesus Christ and your church, act with sincere kindness and compassion. It is important that the first impression of the first time guest should be a lasting experience because maybe we will not get a chance to really show him/her our church and our faith, again.

Visitor will feel your sincerity and when a guest has a good experience, he or she is more likely to return. When they return they are more likely to hear about and experience the love of God. It is that important. 

You wouldn't know that that single guest, who walk through your church door signifies years of prayer, service, and invitation by a church member. So serve guests well and multiply your message. 

“Dear friend, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers and sisters, even though they are strangers to you.” - 3 John 1:5 NIV

Inked with Love & Passion
Analou

* Welcome image credit to gunsbase.com