At JOY!, our hospitality is one of our most positive features. We strive to go beyond warm, friendly, and welcoming. We call the greeters at the door “ambassadors”. That conveys more than “hello; glad you’re here”. There is intentionality, taking an extra step of leading them to another member, explaining the worship service, getting them a cup of coffee, and – best of all – they get a little gift bag! We want to provide the best first impression we can, without being creepy and weird (smothering is going overboard).

Jesus commissions us with His authority to go to the world as ambassadors. The stories in Scripture recounting the travels and encounters the disciples and apostles experienced, prayer walking, starting conversations – employ all of these resources gifted by the Holy Spirit. And all of this begins in your daily life, adding imagination to where and how your influence might spread. Fresh expressions and faithful innovation are needed now more than ever, because institutional church is rarely drawing people in anymore.

Yet again, I feel as if I’m preaching more than blogging. My apologies for that! I just know that there is an abundance of ambassador spirit out there, waiting to be encouraged and launched into this world that God loves unconditionally. Bless you, sojourners and pilgrims, as you see how God’s Holy Spirit is already with you on the way.

Pastor Art