Sharing LOVE - with smiles, greetings and a readiness to serve.

What a joy to have Glenn Burris Jr. with us this past weekend. Speaking to our Team LFC servants, following an incredible meal on Saturday Night, then all three AM services on Sunday. We had the honor of seeing 17 people respond to Jesus Christ and say YES to Him. That makes 37 in just two weeks. God is using LFC. Glenn was so impressed with the heart, worship, compassion of our people and the presence of God in our midst. He commended us on our community involvement and also for the expansion project that we are in the midst of. Glenn commented that we are in the top 10% of Foursquare Churches and that number may be higher when you consider the size of our town and surrounding areas. Way to Go, LFC.

Recently, I asked someone who was brand new to LFC in the past two weeks what impression we left upon them. The first thing they stated was the EXCITEMENT! I waited and they said: "you had tents for greeting people , check-in for kids, greeting, smiles and a readiness to serve." What a great reply. You see, the message of Christ's love begins before the service starts! Many churches miss that, but I know LFC to be a church that is capturing that all the time. We are doing all we can to live heart-first in every area of our lives and in all the gatherings we hold and finances we receive and give away. I thought this article in the Fresno Bee speaks well of the difference that servant greeters make. Take a peek at it.
As we keep working on touching lives for God, in a community that often times has a transient nature to it - we must do all we can to connect with people quickly. In the Fresno Bee article, Mark Waltz is quoted. He is the author of a great little book called, "First Impressions, Creating WOW Experiences in Your Church." This is a very easy to read book that has a significant number of useful ideas which can be used and modified in the church environment. He reminds us that people are looking for a reason to return to the church when they are visiting for the first time. We need to keep looking at all we do in the church from the point of view of a first time guest. Customer service can make or break us from going back to a store, restuarant or a bank. Now, I know that people coming to church should not be viewed as customers but to SERVE them is essential. Waltz implies that everything we do at church "speaks" - it sends a message. Are we sending the messages we want to send by having that pile of clutter in the corner? Are we sending the message we want to send by having people walk by us and we not stopping to say hello, or thanks for coming today? Do we scare people away or give them a feeling that they can return and we would be honored and glad if they did?
Questions: Where are you sharing love? Can people see God's love in you before they ever even see God? The message of Christ's love begins before the service starts! What role can you play in helping us greet others on Sunday and make sure the person next to you, in front or behind you knows you are glad they came to church?
As I was reading today: Some other key words I found helpful along the theme of people was what I shared last week in this section of the web and my blog. It is about extending grace and raising the value of others. The truth comes from pastor and leadership guru, John C. Maxwell.
John has taught and modeled leadership to church leaders and marketplace leaders alike for over two decades.
Intentionally add value to people every day of your life.

• Be intentional.



• We're either building value into people or we're detracting value from people.
  
  Principles to add value to people
  



• Value people.



• Make yourself more valuable.



• Keep learning, keep developing.



• You can only give what you have. Learn, study, put in all you can, so you have something to give.
  



• Know and relate to what other people value.



• Listen first.



• Learn all you can.

And..... Do what God values.

Read these points again and add your own ideas and thoughts to them. I could unpack them but will allow you to do so.
Sharing LOVE - with smiles, greetings and a readiness to serve. When you live that way you are adding value to everyone you meet.

Colossians 4:5
Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. (NIV)
Go for it - Pastor Bernie