In 2014 it would appear that body language is the challenge for development of a Christian congregation. The last post in 2011 said that language was the problem. That challenge continues but there is a new challenge now.
The anxiety of how to approach one another takes over when entering the church door. Friends talk together and strangers or new people are often left standing alone. Sometimes I see them getting out of the building as quickly as possible after the service. What brings on that urge to escape?
I believe that people read the body language of the congregation and leadership the moment they come into the building. They want to sense welcome in the atmosphere. They want eye contact but not a fierce look. They want to be greeted with warmth and they do not want a series of questions. They want to know how things work so that when they enter the sanctuary it is clear as to one gets out. If there is a ritual, like Communion, they do not want to be expected to get in a line, whether they want to or not, and then find their way back to their place - a daunting task for most everyone. It is so humiliating to feel lost and alone in the midst of a crowd of people that seems to know what they are doing.
The fears of going into a new congregation continue for some time. How do we learn to be patient with one another in the befriending process? I think of how hard it is to befriend myself and then plan some hopeful greeting words to use when entering the welcoming area. I ask myself - what is my body saying to these people. Then comes the time to put it all into practice as best I can.
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