As you greet people before and after the service, you’re preparing the way for them to receive the message. Here are at least three things to give to the attenders you interact with outside the service:
1. A welcoming face.
2. A meaningful touch.
3. An encouraging word.
Many people who walk onto your campus on Sunday haven’t had a friendly conversation or a meaningful, positive touch all week long. Your smile, your demeanor, your openness to people can pave the way for life change to happen. Your hug, your handshake, your pat on the back may send a message of affirmation and acceptance that you may never fully understand yourself. And in a world of constant criticism and negativity, your words of encouragement can lift the broken soul.
You’re going to work hard this week preparing a sermon for Sunday. But don’t neglect the message you’ll preach before and after the service.
