The least churched generation visits our church

Students attending universities today represent our nation's least churched generation. Typical of their young adult stage, most are not morning persons. Will their Sunday morning experience in our church, with our congregation, be worth getting out of their beds? College student visitors, like any other new person coming to our church, will decide as consumers the value of their worship and fellowship experience. Whether or not they return rests on their experience with us as a christian community. The questions they will be asking are the same questions they ask about their businesses and banks,: “Was this worth my time? Do the people care about me? Am I valued here?”

In a recent UMNS commentary, the Rev. Sheila Fiorella suggests that any guest to our church, whether a university student or someone recently relocated into our community recognize excellence, and return to places where they experience it. She suggests that each of us try the following exercise: "look at the following list and think about or jot down your first thought about each place: McDonald’s, your bank, your church, your coffee shop. Next evaluate your responses. Which reflect your feelings from your first encounter? Which describe your thoughts either now or at the end of your experience with that place? What does this tell you about the impressions we develop? These impressions help us decide to return or to go someplace else." Let us all be mindful that our visitors are not merely consumers but people, who like ourselves, matter to God.

The Rabbi's Gift, a story by Scott Peck, was retold by our Pastor Lisa recently during a service. The gist of the story was that by assuming the specialness of every person, a culture of respect is built which generates energy, creativity, and magnetism - something people can sense and feel, and to which they are drawn. Treating every person with courtesy and interest, convey's the understanding that everyone is valued. By being respectful to each other and our guests, we develop a community of faith in which everyone wants to give their best to others, and expects to receive the best from others in return. It is the type of community everyone deserves, and it is up to us to make it happen.