Most people have heard of, “Secret Shoppers.” This person is employed by a manufacturer or retailer to pose as a shopper in order to evaluate the quality of customer service. Occasionally, I will have a Sunday off from the church I serve and I always visit at least one church on such a weekend with an eye on being a secret church shopper.

Recently, I had such opportunity. On a short visit to Las Vegas, I attended two churches. The denominations do not much matter as I was observing the general “vibe” of the gatherings. Sadly, what I am about to share is representative, I believe, of a bigger concern. What is this observation? Churches struggle to create an atmosphere of welcome and inclusion.

Before my beloved church audience casts slings and arrows at me for this criticism, please know, I mention these things so that we might be better. If we can show true hospitality in the earliest and simplest of practices, perhaps our attendees will find the kind of place that refreshingly differs from other interpersonal encounters in secular society. Perhaps they will find a home for their hearts where the expression of their spiritual needs and social life can be realized in earnest.

To be sure, I am not suggesting a contrived, artificial, or canned, programming style complete with taglines, staid slogans, and gift bags filled with novelties. These may be off putting more than we recognize and border on insincerity and consumerism. What I am proposing is an emphasis on a religious culture based upon mutual edification and concern for all who grace our doorsteps. It is not hard to imagine; we know genuine sincerity when we see it.

So, what keeps us from demonstrating such sincerity?

Many factors contribute to such an atmosphere. Fear, indifference, apathy, training, and awareness, all impact our ability to connect with others. In other ways, we bring our worldly, interpersonal experiences into the church. Cynicism, impatience, and selfishness, are difficult to check at the door. We are simply too used to these attitudes. But, it is not hopeless.

One of the claims of faith is the transformational nature of one’s mindset. The adherent recognizes that the spiritual experience is an ongoing process of becoming a new person. This is true in moral and ethical decisions as well as relationships. With practice, we grow and mature becoming a joy to be around. While it does not happen all at once, it can and does happen if one devotes the proper attention to altruism and nobility.

This weekend, I encourage you to attend your church or a church of your choosing for a visit. Watch closely how the church is functioning in hospitality and, more importantly, how you are responding to those around you. Your genuine concern and affection for others may be the first step for someone seeking a new and lasting spiritual paradigm.

Kent Simmons is the pastor of Canyon Community Church. He can be contacted at kent@canyon-church.com.