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I have noticed that some people do not like to sit in the center section of pews during worship because they feel the cold air blowing directly on them. Some of the ladies who sit there have had to reach for their wraps or borrow a coat from their gentlemanly husband before the last “Amen.” Admittedly, this is somewhat of a problem. (Confidentially, however, I suppose I should add that man hasn’t made the thermostat yet that can satisfy even a few dozen people).
But there’s a problem much more serious that we can do something about: the problem of a coolness in our attitude. I wish there were a thermostat that could be adjusted to take care of this type of coolness. I know that there are some people who dart to their cars so fast after worship that an ambitious greyhound couldn’t catch them, and then who will go around telling their friends, “That’s the coldest bunch of people I ever saw. Not a soul spoke to me on the way out.” Such sick critics who would have drowned long ago if self-sympathy were water, don’t bother me for a minute. But it indeed concerns me when I see people whom even I can tell are visitors are left, standing around in our foyers, aisles and hallways with little or no attention shown them. The coolness is not only felt in the way our visitors are not greeted, but also in the way some members have been too rushed to speak to another. I have gotten the idea from somewhere (could it be the New Testament?) that God’s people were possessed of a warm, contagious sort of friendliness in the early days.
However, I don’t like to be just critical. If I can’t offer some positive solutions to the problem I see, I haven’t even the right to criticize. How would I “Turn up the heat” in our public meetings?
- Consciously look for strangers and visitors and make it your job to greet them, make them feel comfortable and assist them if you can. Don’t wait for another to do it — YOU can do it!
- If you agree with something in your Bible class or in the sermon or even in a prayer, why not say, “Amen”? (It’s really pitiful that we seldom hear any “Amens” when a prayer is concluded, except from the prayer leader.)
- Really put your heart into the songs that are led. The rafters ought to “ring” with God’s praise and with our joy at being His children.
- Seek out members you don’t know (whether recent or long-time members) and give them a big smile and a warm handshake as you learn their names.
Did I hear anyone say, “Amen”?
[Note: I wrote this article for and it was published in the August 15, 1971, edition of The Christian Reminder, weekly bulletin of the Johnson Street Church of Christ, San Angelo, TX, of which I was editor.
Attribution: From thescripturecache.com; Dub McClish, owner and administrator
