The Secret Visitor
Goes to Kingsport:
BIG church,
BIG on hospitality

By Clint Cooper

Since it seemed nearly everyone wore a nametag at the large Kingsport District church visited on Aug. 27, a guest would be hard-pressed not to find someone who could offer assistance.

Members in the parking lots, on the sidewalks, inside the doors, and in the aisles seemed to have some sort of official capacity. On the weekend before the United Methodist Church designated September as Open House month, this church was ready for newcomers.

Not only was Open House Month listed and described in the bulletin ñ with the offer of food and fellowship after each late-morning service throughout September ñ but it also was mentioned during announcements. Yet, this Kingsport District church seemed as if a truly ìopen houseî was the rule rather than a yearly exception.

Both handicap and visitor parking spaces were available. And though parking was easy to find on this Sunday, the situation is apparently such a concern ñ with ongoing construction ñ that it was mentioned during the service. Had a visitor needed guidance, one of the parking-lot attendants undoubtedly would have pointed out a spot.

Inside, at least one woman was wearing a large ìhostî tag and surely would have provided directions to a Sunday school class, a restroom, or even a nearby restaurant.

During the service, visitors were welcomed specifically, and first-time visitors, at the raise of a hand, were presented what appeared to be a blue travel mug (matching the choir robes).

On this Sunday, an older gentleman, without being prompted by any suggestion from the pulpit, greeted a first-time visitor on the same pew with a warm introduction. At a formal greeting time of neighbors, several people sitting nearby were quick with a handshake and a word of welcome.

Should a visitor feel too intimidated to ask questions, the weekly program was chockfull of information about each of the day's services, a weekly calendar (with a key to locations), highlighted events, and a listing of staff members.

The church phone numbers were listed ñ including a prayer line and a reservations line ñ and the Web site was cited.

Also in the bulletin, guests were invited to ask questions of greeters, ushers, or hosts. They were requested to fill out a friendship card and informed that a pastor would be available after the service for prayer needs. Further, the bulletin indicated that child care was provided, programs and activity bags were available for children, and hearing amplification devices were on hand, if needed.

The service's speaker was warm, engaging, and funny in his sermon and had a smile and a kind word for those who passed him on the way out. Had a visitor wanted to speak with him, he seemed easily approachable.

Just before the end of the service, the same gentleman sitting nearby offered a second handshake, a ìglad-to-have-you,î and urged the visitor to return when he was in the area.

While it's possible for visitors to get lost in or to find larger churches impersonal, this Kingsportarea congregation apparently decided not to let that happen.

Clint Cooper is faith editor of the Chattanooga Times Free Press and a member of First-Centenary United Methodist Church.

top