Feeling Welcome in Church

[SPALATIN]

here is a question that I am sure we have all asked ourselves in seeking out a new church.

Is it more important that I (and my family) feel welcomed, or is it more important that the Pastor is preaching the truth in scripture?

What say you?

[Flipper]

I would say that based on the Golden Rule (treat others the way you want to be treated), that if the pastor is preaching the truth, then he should make you feel welcomed in church.

[PurpleBunny]

Is it more important that I (and my family) feel welcomed, or is it more important that the Pastor is preaching the truth in scripture?

What say you?
Well, if the Pastor isn't preaching the truth in the scripture, then there's really no point in attending that church.

That said, it's also important for the church to provide a sense of fellowship & community, because fellow Christians are supposed to encourage each other in their faith, and if a person feels isolated it is easier to just stop attending... because, after all, who would even notice?

[ByzantineDixie]

I think it is important to have both and it is definitely possible to have both. Many people who start coming or return to the church may have weaker faith or even NO faith and may look to the externals to satisfy some of their needs; nice people, good music, nice service, good delivery in preaching, etc.

These externals may attract the people at first. But the Sacraments and right preaching of the Word feed them and through these the Spirit grows their faith.

A church needs to be a family of believers. If someone doesn't feel welcome...that could be an indication of a problem. Its a problem because it can damage the faith of the weak believer or hinder the non-believer. We are not a group that sports a "me and Jesus alone" type of faith. Lutherans emphasize the Body of Christ and the Communion of believers. It is the work of the Holy Spirit that enables a church body to be that family for each other, to be welcoming.

If a church is not welcoming...does it not beg the question "where is the Holy Spirit in this?"

It is important for me to belong to a church that will attract and keep newcomers. No one comes to Christ unless the Father draws him. When God brings people to our churches, I see that as our opportunity to be used by Him as He works faith in these people. If I didn't belong to a church that welcomed and kept newcomers...what would that say about us?

Just a few reflections...very interesting question.

Rose

[KagomeShuko]

here is a question that I am sure we have all asked ourselves in seeking out a new church.

Is it more important that I (and my family) feel welcomed, or is it more important that the Pastor is preaching the truth in scripture?

What say you?
I think it really needs to be both. Scripture first, but if the church is not welcoming, that's going to drive people away. Of course, there's no point in attending a church that doesn't preach scripture, but there are people that will definitely come and stay for the welcoming part and that seems to be where lots of people are drawn in to some of those odd religions, too - they welcome them first.

Stein Auf!
Bridget

[Phoebe]

It needs to be both.

If the truth is being preached, the congregation is hearing it, then the fruit of hearing the Word will be a friendly atmosphere.