Thin Slicing on Sunday Mornings

Our core folks at RCC have developed a sixth sense when it comes to discerning who might already be Christians among the guests who come to our church. We attract so few "church-shoppers" that when they do come around -- and hey, everybody's welcome -- there are some dead-giveaways that make them stand-out:

• The double-armed hand shake -- the instinctual clasping of both their hands around mine
• Large Bible under the arm -- both husband and wife!
• Sitting in the back row -- unchurched guests sit half-way back, like they would for a movie
• Asking where the children's ministry is located -- they know the drill
• The tootsie-pop syndrome -- serious outer shell, soft center
• They care who the pastor is -- lost people don't care who I am right away

Comments

[eric Partin]

Those are good. We would have to change that bible one at our church. We know your a visitor if you bring a bible. Now, not all visitors bring one but none of the regulars bring one, so if you have one, you must be a visitor and most likely a "churched" visitor.

[Matt Singley]

Great list! So true...

[Jon]

Gotta say, this list makes me respect you all the more. I get excited when churches are intentionally focused on unchurched outsiders - not the same people with the same perspectives...

[Marc A. Pitman]

Great list, Ben!

I love the back row comment!