05.25.10
Overlooked Small Group Essentials I... The Importance of Being Hospitable
I just got off a 6:10 a.m. flight from Nashville to Chicago. It’s my estimation that every person on that plane started their day before 4:00 a.m. Much like the people attending your group meeting, the individuals seated throughout that plane were tired and anxious. Every one of those passengers had hurriedly completed tasks, dealt with last minute issues, and hurriedly made their way to an appointment of their choosing.
The stewardess was less than gracious. As we ducked our heads to get onto the small aircraft she turned her head and continued conversation with her co-workers. It was obvious that the individuals she felt imposed upon to impress were the pilot and co-pilot. When asked a question she responded with a blunt and mean-spirited, “I don’t know.” When she asked if someone wanted a drink, eye contact was non-existent and her tone of voice led you to believe that she hoped each individual would make her life easy. And if you’re like me and you work hard to cheer up the disheartened and you make it your mission to get a smile, don’t even think about it. At one point her glare made apparent her discontent with happy people. It was obvious she was either having a bad day or was simply an inhospitable person.
A thought ran through my head… She is the sole representative of this airlines, the sole chance for a good first impression, the one individual who will determine whether or not I choose this airlines again.
When your small group meets or is out together or you’re at weekend worship and you invite someone to consider trying out your group, remember… it’s not the content of your meeting that will determine whether or not they consider joining the group. It’s not the topic that will ultimately keep them coming back to the group experience. It’s not the food that is served that will in the end entice them to make group life part of their own, it’s the hospitality of the group that catches and keeps people coming back to a small group.
By the way… Will the stewardess receive grace from me? Sure. Every individual deserves grace. But I’ll do my best to fly other airlines from now on.
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