Community of Friends vs. Friendly Community

It never fails that when I do work with congregations they describe themselves as friendly places. Sometimes they carry on about just how friendly they are. Unfortunately, that friendliness is often one to another, internal and exclusive, friends who are friendly to friends. The great litmus test is to walk into any parish hall or central meeting space of a church on Sunday morning and see how many people sincerely greet and welcome you. You may be surprised at how invisible you seem to be. How many notice you? One person? A couple of people? Do they go out of their way to introduce you to others? Do they bother to record your contact information? Do they follow up after that Sunday in any way? Is there an authentic sincerity in their welcome? These are the tell tale signs of a friendly church, one that is truly a friendly community and not just a community of friends. The Rev. Patrick Gahan from St. Stephen's, Wimberly, Texas, speaks on the video below about what it truly takes to be a welcoming congregation. He also speaks of the imperative nature of this intentional ministry. Welcoming the stranger is Gospel work. And it is work. Take a few moments to be inspired and challenged by watching Father Gahan. He will enlighten and unsettle you. Then vow and commitment to help your congregation become a 'friendly community' and not just a 'community of friends.' If the Church is to be the manifestation of the Body of Christ, how can we deny the importance of this work?