In the photo above, John Brontsema welcomes Brenda Dove to the 8 a.m. worship service.
By Paul Lankford
Communications Intern
“With the current advances in technology, the personal touch is certainly missing,” John Brontsema observes. Today’s generation has a wealth of technology at its fingertips, and face-to-face contact is not valued as much as it used to be.
John, a charter member of the Hershey Free Church, is someone who appreciates the personal touch in serving others. He has served in many positions, ranging from elder to usher. His favorite position of serving includes handshakes, smiles and greetings. He enjoys being in touch with people and likes direct contact. He says that people are made welcome in our church with a warm greeting, a smile and a friendly handshake because it makes them feel comfortable and breaks down barriers.
The desire to serve is very important in the life of a Christian, John said. Many people these days are so wrapped up in their own lives that they do not reach out to others to serve. As Christians, we need to reach out with a warm welcome and a friendly greeting. “I think it’s important that first impressions are warm and friendly because that breaks down a lot of barriers,” John said.
Compliments and a little bit of humor can help to serve others. In order to serve others, one must submit to their needs before the needs of oneself. “If you want to be a leader, you have to be at the doorpost first,” John said. It is important to treat everybody as if they are somebody because you never know whom you are serving.
When it comes to inspiring someone from the church to begin serving, John said that he likes to become more personal with that person get to know him better.
John likes to have a cup of coffee or lunch while he finds out where a person’s interests are and where he can be involved within the church. “I don’t want him to think I’m just interested in him to fill a vacant position,” John explained.
He also stressed the importance of making the person feel as though he has your complete attention and that you are not distracted by something else. “I don’t think enough of us take the time or the energy to go that extra step,” John said.
There are many ways to serve within the church body. God has gifted us each of us with an ability to serve. Start by smiling and giving a warm greeting to someone this Sunday.
To find out where you can serve our church body, e-mail Evie Zook, director of Next Steps, or call her at 533-2092, ext. 2034.
