2 /5 K M: "A Church with Amazing Pastors and Music, but Lacking Congregational Warmth"
Ive been attending this church with my family for the past five months. The pastors here are incredible - their messages are always meaningful and impactful, and the music is simply wonderful. The atmosphere in the church is great, and we’ve enjoyed the services overall.
However, one thing that has made me question if we should continue attending is the lack of connection with the congregation. In the five months weve been coming here, not a single member of the congregation has approached us to ask our names, where were from, or anything else. While the church team members are excellent at giving friendly waves as we pull into the parking lot and greeting us when we walk through the doors, the congregation itself feels very closed off. It seems like everyone is in their own social bubbles, and if youre new or dont know anyone, youre not really welcomed into the fold. This church does offer different groups you can join, but were hesitant to get involved because if the reception weve received from the congregation is any indicator, we probably wont be welcomed in those groups either.
Each service, theres a moment where were asked to welcome those around us, and I make it a point to greet people nearby, but I’ve noticed that I’m often the only one doing this. It just seems like everyone else could care less about greeting those around them. Ive attended other churches where the congregation is much warmer, and even the pastors make an effort to connect personally with each member. I understand that this is a big church, so it’s not expected for the pastors to know everyone personally, but it would be nice if they would encourage the congregation itself to open up and start conversations with newcomers.
Honestly, it would be nice if someone approached us with a simple “How’s your week been?” or “It’s a great day for church.” I’ve said these things to others here, but not once in the last 5 months has anyone come up to me or my family to say anything like that. We’re going to give it a couple more weeks, but if we still come out of church feeling like were not really welcome there, were going to look for a more inviting church elsewhere.
