As we strive to promote effective worship and edification, there is another dimension of our assemblies we would do well to consider. The scriptures encourage us when we come together not only to look upward to God and inward to our brethren, but outward to the lost souls around us. While evangelism is predominately a work that happens outside of the four walls of our building, our assembly should be conducive to this goal as well. Our local flock has to be a place where lost sheep feel welcomed if we are ever going to bring them into the fold of the Good Shepherd.
While it is not one of the primary purposes of our assembly, the Bible presents this outward reaching dimension as something that must be considered when we come together. Paul’s instructions to the church at Corinth reveal that edification and evangelism are not mutually exclusive goals, but intended to go hand in hand. He calls upon the brethren to consider the effect their improper and disorderly worship will have upon a visiting unbeliever (1 Cor 14:23-25). If they are not assembling purposefully and effectively, the observer will react with confusion and contempt, rather than conviction. Yet our goal is that all who enter our assembly may come away saying, “God is certainly among you!” In this article we will discuss the importance of having a visitor friendly assembly and how we can ensure that God’s presence among us is always evident to those observing.
First of all, our doors must always be open wide to visitors. We should be actively inviting our friends and neighbors to the assembly. Paul’s instructions in the passage above are irrelevant if the assembly was intended to be a members-only event. James addresses the treatment of visitors in the assembly as well (James 2:1-4). These don’t seem to be simply hypothetical situations, but common occurrences. The assembly is not just for due-paying members of some exclusive club. It must be a place where every visitor is given special attention and a place of honor. It must be a place where even “tax-collectors and sinners” are welcome to come learn about the transforming grace of God.
Yet, we must do more than open the door for visitors. We must give serious thought to what impression our assemblies will leave on these outside observers. “Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity” (Col 4:5). This may be our one opportunity to plant a seed in their hearts. Are we using it effectively? It would be a productive exercise for us to regularly look at our assemblies through the eyes of a visitor. If this was your first time setting foot into the building, what would you think of the service? Anything short of “God is certainly among you” means we have some improving to do.
If visitors are to see God working in us, it must start by reflecting God’s love. “If we love one another, God abides in us, and His love is perfected in us” (1 John 4:12). Love is the badge of discipleship (John 13:34-35). Visitors must see that we are a family who genuinely care for one another and always have an “extra place set at the table” for our guests. The atmosphere cannot be cold and impersonal. It should be evident that we are happy to be here… happy to worship God, happy to spend time with our brethren, and certainly happy to have them as our guests. They must see that we aren’t in this for personal promotion and gain, but to share the love of Christ.
God’s presence among us must also be reflected in our teaching. It is the conviction of God’s word that causes the unbeliever to fall on his face before the Lord (1 Cor 14:24-25). We must strive to effectively communicate the power of the gospel to touch the visitor’s heart. This means engaging their mind and spirit in every aspect of our worship (v. 15). In our songs we must promote understanding and sing with feeling. In the Lord’s Supper we must define our purpose. Our Bible classes should be conducted in a way that is engaging. The sermon should be presented with great passion and clarity. We want to encourage conviction and transformation in the heart of the unbeliever, not confusion, distraction, or boredom.
In conclusion, it is important that we always conduct our services with visitors in mind. As we align our assemblies to fulfill our inward and upward goals, we must not neglect to think outward as well. If we are seeking to bring lost souls into the flock of God, we should always be eager to welcome them into our local flock. Through the love of Christ and the power of God’s word communicated effectively, every visitor should leave our assembly saying, “God is certainly among you.”