Beyond the physical issues that Covid has brought, less talked about spiritual, psychological, and social effects have also emerged.
While I would love to address all of these at length, I merely want to address one aspect right now. One of the psychological effects is that we often feel like we’re intruding, particularly when approaching someone we don’t know. We assume others see us as potential vectors of transmission—dangerous and hostile forces entering into their sphere.
At times this may be true, but people still yearn for kindness and relationships.
We say this, because while our church has historically been known for being welcoming, friendly and hospitable, we’ve noticed many new faces are being left alone as they enter our church. Outside of a greeting team, they can be isolated from the congregation.
Practical tips:
- Be friendly, but respectful-Watch for the other person’s social cues. If their body language says they’re uncomfortable, don’t push it. However, if they seem eager to talk with someone, go for it!
- Approach but maintain distance-Allow our guests to reveal their own level of concern. Even more cautious individuals won’t mind being greeted by a masked person from a few feet away.
- You may be bringing Life, not Death-Statistics have shown that with all the struggles brought by 2020, many are suffering with anxiety, depression, and loneliness. Amazingly, weekly churchgoers are the only group whose mental health has improved this year. The media can make us feel like our socializing is bringing death, we may also be bringing life to someone’s dark and lonely world.
- Be giving-Because of how isolated our lives have become, we’re often eager to meet old friends once again at church. This is amazing, but take time for new faces as well. Search them out, for they may have no one.
With every challenge comes certain obstacles but also opportunities. We have an opportunity to be sources of life, kindness, and love while the world becomes more dark and isolated. These coming Sundays, let’s be sure we’re loving our neighbor.
- Hospitality in a Covid World - December 17, 2020
- Jesus, the Liberator We Don’t Want - June 12, 2020
- Why I’m NOT an Inerrantist - June 11, 2020
