What do Pastors do on Sunday morning when they are on vacation? I suppose some of us might want to take the day completely off and sleep late.
For me, my favorite thing to do on a Sunday “off” is to visit another Church. I try to experience Sunday as a first time visitor and remain aware of my feelings as well as the reactions of people for whom this is their “home” church.
This morning I went to a church that is literally blocks from my home. This particular congregation shall remain nameless (though most of my readers can figure out what church I’m talking about). This church was also a “mega” church before the term existed.
Now, I have been in this sanctuary a number of times because my oldest son went to high school at this congregation’s school. I drive by their campus at least twice a week and I know any number of people who are members there. Still, I felt butterflies in my stomach as I got out of the car and walked toward the sanctuary.
Was I over-dressed in a suit? Was my tie too loud? Did I look too Lutheran (this isn’t a Lutheran church)? I said good morning to two greeters and an usher on my way in to church. I sat in the back and looked over my bulletin. I started to feel better, though I was a bit surprised by how many people weren’t in church. This congregation is going through a time of a transition due to the death of their founding pastor and you hear stories.
I tried to follow along, but I missed a few cues: I didn’t have my hymnal open for the first hymn, they say the Lord’s Prayer a bit differently, and I wasn’t quite able to get my offering into the plate (yes, I had to put something in the plate if they were passing it). I didn’t feel too awkward during the rite of friendship, though I had never seen anyone to whom I said good morning.
The one interesting thing about the whole morning was that no one asked my name and no one gave me their name. I was completely anonymous to the congregation as they were to me. I missed hearing someone say my name this morning.
I don’t know that anonymity is what church is all about, even for a first-time visitor. It certainly is easier, but it doesn’t seem like that is what the Body of Christ is supposed to be.
What I take away from my experience at this nameless church this morning is this: don’t be an anonymous worshipper. Give someone your name and, where possible, welcome someone else by name. One more thing: if someone feels uncomfortable in church, give them a break, they may need it.