From The Orthodox Church newspaper:
A reporter recently visited 18 different churches on successive Sundays to find out what each community was really like. In every instance, he dressed neatly and stood near the front. After Services, he walked slowly to the rear of the church, then returned to the front and then went back to the foyer, using another aisle. He smiled at everyone and asked others for directions to specific places, the parish hall, the office, the restrooms, etc. He remained for coffee, if served.
Using the following scale the reporter awarded points to each community on the following basis:
- 10 pts. For a smile from a worshipper
- 10 pts. For a greeting from someone nearby
- 100 pts. For an exchange of names
- 200 pts. For an invitation to have coffee
- 300 pts. For an invitation to return
- 1,000 pts. For an introduction to another worshipper.
- 2,000 pts. For an invitation to meet the pastor.
Seems simple enough, overly generous even. The reporter discovered that, using this scale
11 of the 18 churches visited earned less than 100 pts.
5 of the churches actually received less than 20 pts.
The conclusion: even if the doctrine is sound, the singing inspirational, and the sermon uplifting – when a visitor finds nobody who cares whether he or she is there, he or she is not likely to return. We have a warm parish.
The challenge: What is your score?
Keep track of your score every week for a month or two. See how your are fulfilling the Great Commission to “Go, make disciples of all nations,” and “To love your neighbor as yourself.”
This is the Christian way!
