Approachable Attitudes

We have grown so accustomed to mediocre workmanship in our culture that is shocking when someone goes over and beyond what is required. When you find that worker that just doesn’t do his or her job, but actually seems pleasant while doing it, it is a rare find. Like me, you’ve probably been to that place before where you ask a question, and it almost seems like you are a burden to the one you are asking.

Businesses, restaurants, teams, organizations, and even churches speak the loudest by the culture they normalize.

That’s why the “my pleasure” atmosphere of Chick-fil-a seems so refreshing to so many. You come for a meal, but your experience leaves a lasting imprint. The customer service is unparalleled.

If Chick-fil-a thrives on customer service for fast food meals, what excuses do church staffs have as we are sharing the most important news in the world?

• I know that a worship attendee isn’t a customer.
• I know that churches aren’t trying to make a dollar.
• I know that we aren’t a business.

But I do know that we should be known by having the most approachable attitudes of anywhere in the world. Think about it – people are coming in sometimes at their lowest place in the world. They need to know someone is pleasantly joyful to serve them and point them to help.

Everybody wants to know that somebody is available for them in their needs.

As a church staff member, sometimes I get overwhelmed with the needs, the pace, and the expectations. But when I think about the need that others have, it causes me to desire one thing for someone who walks through our doors – they have never been so encouraged as when they gathered alongside our church.

I see it in the life of Jesus.

• Jesus wasn’t annoyed with that lady desperate for healing that altered his agenda (Luke 8:40-48).
• Jesus was eager to spend time with a deceitful rascal like Zaccheus who hid from everyone else (Luke 19:1-5).
• Jesus sought isolation to deal with his grief, yet He put the needs of others before His own when He saw how downcast they were (Matt. 14:10-16).
• Jesus wasn’t annoyed like the others when those loud, dirty, obnoxious, tiny humans crawled up into His lap (Matt. 19:13-15).

The type of mentality that expects people to grow up before they show up should never be portrayed among leaders in the church.

For those who pastor, lead, teach, serve, greet, help, usher, etc. in the church, do you have an approachable attitude? If someone is in need, would they experience legitimate help from you? If approached by someone, you want him or her to walk away not only thinking the question was answered but a sense of eager accessibility was offered. If people are a burden to the ministry, we need to rethink what we are about.

If you are a shepherd, the sheep need to know that you want them around.

Those who lead in the church should always strive to portray approachable attitudes as they serve the people walking through the door. People need help, and it would help if they believed you actually want to help them.