The Joy's of Pastoral Visitation

One of my tasks as a pastor is to contact visitors who have filled out visitation cards to receive feedback about the service, talk about the gospel, and visit those who would like a visit.  It is wonderful to walk into someone's house and to spend some time with them as they are seeking to find a home church.  

I walked into a retired couples house this afternoon who are still extremely excited about the faith and the opportunity to join our congregation.  We had a wonderful conversation and it encouraged me in my faith as well, being some forty years younger then they are.  This was a very encouraging visit and a refreshing time for me as a young pastor.  

A word to visitors of churches: please take the time to fill out visitor cards and to introduce yourself to those around you.  We are pleased to meet you and are excited that you have visited our church.  

A word to members of churches: please take the time to notice those around you.  Find someone you don't know and introduce yourself.  Who knows, maybe they are visitors.

We must work together as we grow together in the body of Christ.  Members must seek to find those they don't know and visitors must take some initiative when they are visiting, no matter how uncomfortable it is for both groups.