Seniors often are heard to say, "I have served the Lord and the church

for "X" number of years. Now it’s time for the young people to take

over." If you are guilty of making such a statement, then I say, "Shame

on you! Every day we seniors ought to be serving God in some way, but

never just sitting back waiting until death takes over and transports us

to heaven!" It might just be the most important time of your life to do

something significant for God.

Well, here’s something your pastor would welcome: seniors (55 plus

people) welcoming newcomers at church with enthusiasm, a joyful spirit,

and a strong, positive recommendation about the pastor and the church.

And, if you could put in a good word for the new music styles which are

attracting the Generation Xers and their children, that might make some

young people want to return! What a shock if every senior forgot about

being critical and became a positive supporter of the new things

happening at church!

We are all responsible to welcome visitors and make them feel

comfortable. Visitors need a smile, and a warm handshake. Any of us can

do that! The problem with some seniors is that they don’t take the

initiative to welcome visitors. Leave it to someone else they reason! Why

not put into practice the five minute principle. Just take five minutes

after each service to look around and find a visitor or someone on the

fringe. Get acquainted. Ask a few simple questions like "Do you live in

this area? Is this your first visit to our church? Where do you work?"

When you have some answers, take them to your pastor and introduce them

to him. What a wonderful way to make people feel at home. If you have a

Welcome Center, take them to it and introduce them to the people there.

Don’t just tell them where it is!

If we take good care of our visitors, they will want to come back and

before long many of them will be part of your growing church fellowship.