What my parents noticed about Benoni Baptist Church when they visited this past Sunday

This past Sunday, my parents, and aunt visited Benoni Baptist Church. Over lunch, we chatted about the service. The singing. The reading. The praying. The preaching. I asked them, What really stood out for you most?

Now, they mentioned the preaching (but they’re my parents, and a little biased in this regard). But then they paused. Thought about it. Reflected. And their answer was simple and sincere, Benoni Baptist really is a warm church. They spoke of folk welcoming them at the door. Coming over and speaking to them in the pew. And interacting with them after the service.

I love that. I love that that’s what people pick up about us. Not just what we do, but who we are. Not just our teaching, but our tone. Not just our structure, but our spirit.

Scripture says, Love one another. Again and again. That phrase runs like a thread through the New Testament. Love one another. Serve one another. Bear one another’s burdens. Encourage one another. Be kind, tender-hearted, forgiving one another. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. This is not an optional extra. It’s the mark of a healthy church. A warm church.

Loving fellowship is one of our four core values. We define it this way, A community marked by genuine love, acceptance, and support, where members care for and encourage one another in their spiritual journey (1 John 4:11–12; Acts 2:44–47). This is also what we commit to in our membership covenant. That we will walk together in love. That we will support one another in joy and in sorrow. That we will pray for one another, encourage one another, and spur one another on to love and good works. That we will carry each other’s burdens and strive for unity in all things.

Now, here’s the challenge. Warmth is easier in a small room. But as our church grows, we have to work harder to stay warm. And that means every member doing their part. So let me encourage some small behaviours that make a big difference:

• Greet someone you don’t know, and ask for their name. And try to remember it next time.
• Make space for new faces in your pew and at your lunch table. We have no reserved seating. If a visitor is in your seat, pull in next to them. And smile. And get to know them.
• Pray with someone after the service. Not just for them, but with them. And if you need someone to pray with you, contact the church office, and ask for the elders to meet with you before the service or after the service.
• Offer a lift to someone without a car. This is a big one. Especially for our older members who find if increasingly hard to drive.
• Send a message midweek to someone you haven’t seen for a while. Please love one another in this way. And if you’re aware of a pastoral concern, contact the church office.
• Invite someone over, even if your house isn’t spotless or your schedule is full. Hospitality is excercised in real life. Even at the end of the month.
• Small things. Simple things. But they keep the fire warm.

My prayer is that people continue to visit Benoni Baptist Church and walk away saying, That’s a warm church. Not because we’re perfect. But because we are rooted in Christ. Because we are growing in grace. Because we are learning to love.

Don’t forget the bring and share after the service this Sunday to celebrate Colleen’s retirement. For those who know her, it’ll be a great chance to honour her. And for everyone else, it’ll be a great chance to meet a few folk over finger snacks. Let’s keep loving one another well.