De-Greet

Marketing has always fascinated me.  The way minds are manipulated into thinking we should have, look like, and desire a product amazes me.  Of course promoting any product or lifestyle changes with the culture and so today's approach differs greatly from when most of us grew up.  It doesn't take long for us to become "loyalists" to whatever is the most current and appealing approach.  We actually set aside our doubts and cynicism and begin to buy into the lines of losing 30 pounds in 30 days; a green line will lead you to financial peace and prosperity; or you are in "good hands" with insurance even if it sounds like a duck!  We can say we are a thinking discerning people until we realize there is a part of us that wants to believe what we are doing or buying is good for us.

Our son-in-law who builds a popular restaurant chain in the St. Louis area recently brought to my attention that not only is it necessary for the customer to be greeted at the door, have an outstanding server for your meal, but as you are leaving you should receive a "De-Greet".  This is when as you are walking past the host/seating area one or more employees needs to thank you for  coming and initiate an invitation to come again.  Anyone who has ever been in QT knows the line is "thank you, see you next time".  Subtlety we are being programmed to want to return.  We leave feeling as if we were wanted and needed and who doesn't get a little euphoria out of that sensation?

All of this has made me rethink how we promote our product of "Good News?" in the church.  For today's world we certainly spend an enormous amount of time tethered to responsibility and demand by our work, family and even chosen obligations.  Technology can reach us at every turn and good news is just not at a premium.  We are greeted (perhaps) when we enter our churches.  If per chance however we are a guest probably over greeted. and by the time we sit at the table (pew or chair) waiting for that friendly server, all we usually get is an opportunity to give money.  Depending on the church the guest may or may not know how to participate in all the rituals and so they wait to be fed.  When the meal of church is over they may get the "De-greet" or  simply be left to leave with their own thoughts and impressions. 

I wonder if as believers of the Good News we might adopt the attitude that everyone who enters our place of worship needs a genuine welcome, deserves a great meal with the best server (Jesus like), and leaves feeling as if it has been the churches honor to  have you as a  guest and they truly want you to come again.  Every time someone feels the love of Christ offered it makes it easier to  want to be a part of that place (body) . Every time we share the love of Christ, another heart readies itself for  the best gift of all, adoption into the kingdom of God.  Pretty simple huh?