Years ago, I was sitting at a tiny airport in Belize and got to talking to a few friendly folks. It turns out they were also from Winston-Salem—a group from Ardmore Baptist Church. Steve Bissette and Dan Driscoll were on this trip and invited us to worship. We also knew David and Martha Fitzgerald, so we planned to attend a few weeks later for the first time.

 

Our first Sunday at Ardmore, we walked around the building numerous times, navigating the glorious 1927 building with all of its pieces and parts. We finally found the front doors. The first face we saw was Tod Bryant, opening the doors and welcoming us like old friends. Ryan and I picked a pew behind Bonnie Whitaker. After the service, she turned around in her pew and asked us all about our lives, jobs, and interests. Then, she invited us to lunch. It was such a simple and yet enormous gesture. It was a warm welcome I will never forget.

 

Eleven years later, I am so grateful for the opportunity to emulate this experience for others. I hope when visitors and members walk through the doors, they feel the warmth of community.

 

I love receiving guest cards in the offering plate because it gives me a chance to get to know folks outside of the hustle and bustle of Sunday morning. These initial meetings are where I can begin to establish long-term connections. Once I have gotten to know folks a little better, I am able to introduce visitors to other members of the staff and begin helping them form relationships outside of Sunday mornings. Sometimes this is serving on an events team, going on an international mission trip, or using their unique spiritual gifts to bless our congregation.

 

I could not do the tedious task of keeping up with everyone’s information without a top-notch team. Elizabeth Lopina and Kristin Morris assist me weekly with documenting, keeping records, and communicating. I am so blessed by their gifts.

 

This October, we will be hosting an event called “Discover Ardmore.” This event will provide a meal for visitors and new members while walking them through the process of membership, Baptist doctrine, and ways to find their community and niche within the congregation. I am so excited to host this event and break bread with new friends.

 

Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for the ways that you welcome others to our congregation. I am honored to serve alongside each of you.

 

And the next time you are sitting in the airport, feel free to invite your neighbor. You never know who may want to join us next Sunday!