I have been thinking about the UGH ministry and how it relates to life in general.  I liken the ministry to someone that is opening their home for guests.  There are always expectations when you have been invited to someone’s home.  There are expectations of the guest and of the host.

 

As years go by, it seems that people have become less formal and, in many cases, less hospitable as a guest or host.  I was raised by parents that weren’t exactly formal but they were very concerned about being courteous, hospitable and all-around considerate.  I am a freak about people being inconsiderate.  I hate it.  It is my number one pet peeve. 

 

So, what are some of my expectations when I am invited to someone’s home?

 

1.      I expect to be greeted at the door.

2.      I expect to be greeted with a smile.

3.      I expect the host to make me comfortable in their home.

 

When I ring the doorbell at someone’s home, I expect it to be answered by my host.  It irks me when I hear, “Come in” from beyond the door; I just won’t do it.  (Confession, I have rather poor hearing so I always blame my not coming in on that fact, even if I did hear them.)  This is not my home; I want to be welcomed in.

 

Is there anything worse than being greeted at the door and the host looks as if you are the very last person they wanted to see?  “Oh hey, come on in,” they say as they are walking away from the door.  I think to myself, “Yippee!  I am glad to be here!  This is going to be a lot of fun” and I get the door behind me.  The next thing you know you are fixing yourself a drink, opening Junior’s door looking for the loo and, more than likely, checking your watch every couple of minutes. 

 

I am clearly not comfortable in a situation such as this and I don’t want to be in it any longer than I have to be.  I didn’t enjoy myself a whole lot and guess what else, I ain’t coming back. 

 

We want the guests of Legacy go away refreshed from the delicious Krisy Kreme donuts and coffee, a great worship service, great sermon, and the great people that have welcomed them to our home.  We want them to know they are welcome to come back, but more so that we want them to come back.  We also want them to know where the loo is.

 

When a guest leaves having had an experience such as this, they will be our guest again. 

 

So, what are your expectations when you go to someone’s home or to church?

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