The Outsized Power of an Outward Posture
A few weeks ago we assigned a group of volunteers some homework: This Sunday, take ten minutes to stop serving and simply observe: what would a guest encounter that adds to or takes away from the gospel message we’re trying to present?
While we received a lot of great answers, there was one that – sadly – stood out among the rest:
I was amazed at how many volunteers were simply heads-down on their phones, in long conversations with friends, and missing opportunities to help others.
That’s a paraphrased summary, but interesting that in the act of observation, we found so many who weren’t all that observant.
In hospitality, our outward posture matters. Just like we want to be able to read a guest, we want a guest to accurately read us. If they perceive us as shut off, distracted, or too busy to engage, then they won’t engage. Worse, they may feel shut out of the real need to be helped.
Here are four “posture killers” that we should pay attention to:
1. Looking at our phones.
I get it: I’m the chief of sinners on this one. It’s too easy to get distracted by “emergency” Slack messages, texts from a team leader, or the why-did-they-send-me-this-on-a-Sunday-morning email. But having our phones in our hands and – worse – being engrossed in whatever is on the screen is the #1 way to tell a guest, “This thing matters more than you do.”
2. Conversations with friends.
I’ve said before that weekends are for new friends. I’m all for catching up with my small group, talking to a long-time volunteer, or hearing the latest dad joke from a friend who shall remain nameless, because he doesn’t need to be encouraged further.
And far be it from me to tell you those interactions should be squashed. But think of those more as “shoulder to shoulder” rather than “face to face.” And when a guest approaches, everyone involved should realize that the new person is – in that moment – more important than the other person.
3. The thousand-yard stare.
My wife has told me that when I’m surveying the landscape, I always look angry about it. And the tragedy is, she’s absolutely right. I can be fully engaged, fully aware, and look fully ticked off.
So I have to remind my face that a small smile and raised eyebrows can do wonders for how I’m coming across to others. (Add into this the crossed-arm problem, which is my latest tic I’m trying to kill.)
4. Preoccupation with worship.
I’m going to get misunderstood on this one, so hear me out: worship should be our preoccupation, but not when our primary task is helping others find their way to worship. That’s one of the reasons I stress “attend one, serve one” so our volunteers can be fully engaged in one thing at a time.
But even if you’re attending and serving the same one, and serving as a member of the seating team, I believe it’s possible for you to worship while you serve, and vice-versa: keep your eyes to the door and your antennae up for the guest, even while you’re singing your little heart out.
What are some posture killers you’ve noticed?
photo credit: Charlie Martin
