Have you ever been mauled by a pack of golden retriever puppies? I haven’t but I’ve seen videos. It’s on my “bucket list.” It’s one of those experiences that, I think, we can all understand without ever having engaged in. Any overwhelming joy and happiness just because you exist. 

Take that vibe into this next comment. My daughter had a friend spend the night. Said friend came with us the next day to worship. On any given Sunday I am out pretty early, but on this Sunday, I was preaching a touchy topic, so I was in bed early and out even earlier. But my daughter’s comments still made it to me. The friend is not a Christian and doesn’t know anything about church. Whenever we try new things, we always want a heads-up of what to expect, and my daughter obliged. She said, “Don’t be surprised if a whole bunch of old ladies come up to you and talk to you, they’re friendly.” 

When I heard this, I lost it. I loved it! How beautiful. My daughter was telling her friend she can’t be anonymous in church. She will be seen. And the “bunch of old ladies,” not unlike a pack of golden retriever puppies, is how my daughter sees the welcome in our church.

I hope you’re an old lady. For starters, that line is lower than you may think. This is a very young girl who knows nothing about age. To her I am an old man. But more on the metaphorical side, I hope you’re welcoming. Going out of your way to say hello and remember the names. This is what Church looks like. A place where you cannot be alone. There is enough of that in the world. Every week I read another post about how to meet people, make connections, not be so alone. Well, here is the answer. 

My wife told me not to mention a bunch of old ladies. I get it, it could be jarring or feel like an attack. I assure you I am not attacking. I do want to highlight the natural formation of it, though. We move in clicks, and packs. We have our groups. Those who come in do not. They are looking for their group. And the very thing that makes Sunday worship so enriching for us can be excluding for the visitor. So, if you find yourself part of a bunch who reach out to others and welcome them to Church, BRAVO! The rest of us can take notes and open our groups and be intuitional about welcoming the stranger. 

My hope is that this blog leaves you inspired to follow a little girl and invite a friend or emulate a bunch on old ladies who have taken the word of St. Paul and Christ to heart “welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.” (Rom 15:7)