Last year I took a painting class for beginners. As it turned out, I was the only “beginner” in the class of fifteen students; everyone else in the class was there to gain encouragement and feedback on their current painting projects while I was there to simply learn how to paint. They all knew one another from previous classes, which made me feel even more awkward. 

I knew none of the “painting language” they used: value, shading, hue or quality of brushes and paper. The experience was a bit discouraging, as the catalog syllabus said that the class was “for beginners as well as for those who wish to improve their skills.” I have to say that it was my fellow students who were the actual instructors and encouragers who influenced me to “stay the course.” (A sense of humor and determination to finish the 8-week class helped with that as well!) 

About halfway through the class, I learned that it was okay to not “know” but instead, relax and keep an open mind about painting. I came to realize that having a desire to paint was the first step in learning how to paint. The second step came with lots of positive, encouraging words from those who had once been beginners themselves. 

Participating in this class reminded me of the experience of those who attend church for the first time. First-time visitors can read the signs that tell them that they are welcome to “walk in” but it can be intimidating when it appears that everyone knows each other as well as the “language” of the church. Words such as Bible translations, Scripture passages, adult studies or tithing can be foreign to many first-time church seekers. 

There are also church/Christian phrases that can confuse a new believer: give your heart to Jesus, ask for forgiveness, seek His will. Nothing is more isolating than hearing "we all know the story of Joshua, the Israelites and Rahab, don’t we?” Many have no idea who Joshua or the Israelites are or what a “Rahab” is.

It can make a person feel as though they might have misunderstood that everyone is welcome.

(I have to say that our weekend messages steer away from those assumptions, but we can let those words slip out of our mouths during a Bible study or Life Group.) 

I admit that each week I am guilty of wanting to catch up with old friends, find out about their family or see how they are doing before or after a weekend worship service. I can say familiar words like,” I have been praying for you” to a friend just as a first-time visitor walks through the door magnifying the fact that they are not known.... yet. But being aware of that scenario and seeking to include the new person is the first step in developing the “art” of being a sensitive, creative believer in Christ. 

As with my encouraging, artist classmates, we should be eager to encourage those who are “beginners” - whether they are beginning to find out about the church, exploring Christian faith, or signing up for a Life Group for the first time. The same simple, welcoming words that you and I would like to hear when we walk into a new situation for the first time are the same ones that we can focus on speaking to others. Jesus said, “...In everything, do to others what you would have them do to you. (Matthew 7:12)  

So, what are some of those words that we all need to hear at times?

You are noticed. 

You are welcome here. 

You can begin right where you are. 

I had a conversation recently with two new, regular attenders of our church, and they both named the first person who welcomed them to the Orchard Hill community. We do not forget the people in our lives who made us feel included! 

Each one of us thrive when we have the freedom to grow at our own pace, but with the encouragement and inspiration of others helping us along the way. And likewise, we can all receive an added joy when we recognize and take advantage of the opportunities we each have to be a source of encouragement and inspiration for other people - whether in helping them develop their talents or further their own walk with Jesus. 

Finally, I learned one more thing about myself in that acrylic painting class - I prefer the art of painting in watercolor! Life has many surprises when we focus on new beginnings...