How do YOU Treat "Outsiders" Who Visit Your Church?

[WISDOM]

People who are known prostitutes, pimps, recently released ex-convicts, culturally/ethnically/racially different, just to name a few.

The last time I asked some Chrsitians this many of them "danced" around it and gave me "politically correct" responses.  Be honest is all I ask.  I've sat in churches where the body language of many "christian" folk DID NOT match their verbal reactions.

Just curious as to the thoughts of others here.

[bebakerus]

I can't honestly say that something like that has ever happened. When I meet someone new at our church I generally treat them as I treat anyone else. With a smile, handshake, and a "Good Morning."

Plus, since I don't know any pimps or prostitutes, I wouldn't have a clue as to what they did.

[traveller]

Every Sunday I greet someone that I don't know. But I also don't know if they are visiting or if I just have not seen them before. But honestly, I am always happy to see everyone in GOD'S house. We are all invited guests there.

However, I know what you are saying. I experienced a sort of "rejection" from a church and it is a very painful thing. I just did not feel welcome. Because of that I really do try to go out of my way to say hello to unfamiliar faces. Also, I don't care about their past.

[gatorgirl]

I also greet them with a smile and "good to see you."  I don't know their past or what they are dealing with. I am just glad they are there.

I went to one of our MOMS meeting at church once and during brunch I sat next to a lady that I didn't recognize. I said hello to her and asked if it was her first visit. I began to see that she was becoming upset but trying not to at the same time.  About that time another lady sat with us.  My heart broke as she opened up to us about her home life and that her husband had left her...  Sometime people come in to fellowship with VERY heavy hearts and coming into contact with a caring person to listen to them is comforting.  She has since recieved an abundance of spirtitual and emotional support from the woman at the church I attend.

[Guest EPHRIAM777]

Quote: from WISDOM on 8:36 am on April 23, 2002

People who are known prostitutes, pimps, recently released ex-convicts, culturally/ethnically/racially different, just to name a few.

The last time I asked some Chrsitians this many of them "danced" around it and gave me "politically correct" responses.

[Timothy]

cute

[kiwi]

It's my experience when I go to a different church, usually a handful of people will acknowledge me, but most will shy away.

[WISDOM]

Quote: from EPHRIAM777 on 2:08 pm on April 23, 2002

Quote: from WISDOM on 8:36 am on April 23, 2002

People who are known prostitutes, pimps, recently released ex-convicts, culturally/ethnically/racially different, just to name a few.

The last time I asked some Chrsitians this many of them "danced" around it and gave me "politically correct" responses.

[WISDOM]

I want to thank you all who did respond in a forthright/honest manner.  The reason I asked the question is because CHRIST opened the doors of HIS Body (the true Church) to any/all type of individuals, yet so many local churches segregate against many of the types I spoke of in my earlier post.  I don't know about you, but it bothers me to see people basically "play church" and not truly put into play what CHRIST is to all seekers.

I try to allow CHRIST love to show through me with all I come into contact with.  It isn't always easy, but the more infilling/indwelling of the HOLY SPIRIT you have the more HE takes over.  Unfortunately, every professed Christian doesn't think like this.  The illustrations I gave were some of the SAME encounters our LORD/SAVIOUR had throughout the Gospels!  I was asking it to see what you would say about those same things honestly unveiled in a contemporary setting.  Do you react the same way CHRIST did?  The only difference is HE didn't operate of a church building.  Do you?

[WISDOM]

Correction:  "The only difference is HE didn't operate out of achurch building."