Personal Experiences

In a previous post, I wrote about fussy babies at church.  It was from personal experience, one that made me question a lot.  It was an experience that was difficult and I wanted people to know that if they had a similar experience they weren’t alone. If they were in the middle of something like that now, not to give up hope because what you are doing is worth it. I also wanted to remind those that have come through it to give the “newbies” grace and understanding that they had wished they were given (or the grace that they were given).

The Human Connection

Human connection is a funny thing.  Sometimes we become annoyed or overwhelmed with it, but we all need it. We need to know that someone ‘knows’ us. Ultimately, we like knowing that someone is there for us (and that we can be there for them).  It is how community is built.  When you feel that no one ‘knows’ you or that you’re a hassle to someone it starts to affect you and your outlook.  I think that is why especially when you’re a newer mom that it weighs on you so much.

It was totally unrelated to my post and had been implemented well before that post (just to be clear) but I wanted to share with you one church’s way that they help their mamas feel included and loved.   Bold City Church, located in Jacksonville, Florida, created a team (you know, you have a ‘worship team’, a ‘greeter team’, etc.) called the “Hey Mamas” team.   They wear these bright pink shirts with ‘Hey Mama’ on the front and are outside waiting to greet you.

Their job is to help you; with whatever you need help with.  Are your hands full? They will carry your diaper bag for you.  Need someone just to walk with you? They’ve got you covered.  If it’s your first time visiting they are happy to take you over to the nursery/kids area and introduce you to the Kids Director so that if you decide to let your child hang out there you have met the person in charge.  THAT makes such a difference especially if it’s your first time there.  No, you may not know this persons favorite color but you have a name and a face to identify with.  If you want your baby with you in service there’s no dodging required they’ll happily help you get to a seat and did I mention they offer noise cancelling headphones if you’d like to use them for your baby during service? It is like a concierge/help service for moms.  The people on this team specifically signed up so that when you came they could be there to help you.  How cool is that?  To know that if you can make it to the door you’ll have a friend waiting to help you carry a bag or walk with you so you aren’t alone.  You aren’t stopping them from doing something else; they showed up specifically to help you.   I think it’s pretty amazing.

There may be many other churches out there that do something similar and I applaud them as well for going above and beyond to let people know they are loved.   The power of the human connection should never be underestimated.  Little things make a big difference sometimes when you don’t even realize it.   We sometimes overlook that and until we’re in a situation of feeling alone we don’t see the impact.  I hope this catches on (if it hasn’t already) and other churches create their own spin on it.    I’d love to hear about what your church does!