Last week I had the "privilege" to go to my six year old daughter's school assembly. I use the world privilege kind of loosely because, to be honest, I didn't really want to be there. School assemblies aren't all that exciting to me, but Anna really wanted me there because she was going to "be on stage" singing a song with her class. So I went. About 10 minutes in, it hit me that what I was experiencing probably resembled what people experience the first time they come to PLC. I've been thinking about that a lot lately because, in the past three weeks, we've had over 20 new families come to visit PLC. The actual number of first time visitors is probably MUCH higher though, because those are only the new families that checked their kids into the nursery. They come for all sorts of reasons. Some by themselves and some with a friend. Some are Christians and some aren't. With that being said, here are a few things I learned from my first school assembly that apply to us here.
- It's a little intimidating and confusing! I realized I probably have no clue what it's like to experience church for the first time. I grew up in church. I've been coming to PLC for over 13 years. Most of the churches I have been to in my adult life I've gone to with a relative or friend. I can't imagine how intimidating it must be to pull up to this building for the first time, especially if the idea of "church" is new to you. Where do I go? How long am I stuck here? What do I do with my kids? My daughter's school is not all that intimidating, and I've been in the building before, but I still didn't really know what to expect.
- Some things will seem weird! Who knew that a school assembly could involve lots of clapping and singing? I definitely did not expect a bongo and a piano when I walked in the door. Not to mention the random cheering! I kind of thought I'd just sit there and someone would would talk to us the whole time. Turns out, I was wrong. I wonder if new people around here ever feel the same way. My guess is, they probably do.
- Enthusiasm makes a difference! The kids and the teachers and were really getting into it all. I wasn't, especially not at first. But they were enjoying it, even the fifth graders! I sat there and watched the most "mature" of the students and realized they were actually the most excited ones. And to be honest, it seemed very genuine. After a while, that helped me relax and get comfortable. I realized that if someone new walks into PLC and sees a bunch of us sitting on our hands and sort of staring at the worship leader or the pastor, they are going to have a much different experience than if they see a group of people who are passionate and excited about worshipping Jesus. Especially if those of us who consider ourselves mature in our walk with God are passionate about worshipping our Savior.
Here are a couple challenges I walked out of that auditorium with that apply to myself and to those of us who call PLC home. What am I doing each week to help those who might be a little intimidated as they walk through the door? This isn't something I can leave up to the First Impressions team or Pastor John. We all play a part, whether we are drinking coffee, serving in children's ministry, or sitting in our seat before the service. Am I coming with a heart and an attitude of worshiping God each week, or am I coming to watch and observe? At one level this is a personal, heart issue. On another level, it's a huge deal for those who are coming here to check out this God thing.
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