It’s a step toward being intentional about welcoming people who are new. On Sundays, I deliberately park on the far end of the parking lot to leave closer spots for others. Having a few visitor spots calls us be more aware of visitors in our midst.
Here is a picture I snapped in the parking lot of a certain local megachurch:
Here is a picture I snapped in the parking lot of a certain local megachurch:
Here’s an example from a church in Iowa:
Both signs give special treatment to people in positions of power and prestige—CEOs and pastor’s wives. I even wonder if the church has any business using such power-filled business phrases like CEO, when Jesus is such an example of humility and servanthood—qualities not always associated with CEOs.
In welcoming visitors, we give power and prestige to those who don’t have lots of power or social capital—strangers and newcomers. Jesus said, "I was a stranger and you welcomed me" (Matthew 25:35).
Good move. When I first came to Peace there was a reserved space for the pastor closest to the door. Than came the handicapped place. I removed the sign and parked way down the row so that people driving by could see when the pastor was at the church. Those "little" things say a lot.
ReplyDeleteOooo, I really like Pastor Michael's idea of the pastor parking where any one driving by can see if s/he's there or not. That's cool.
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