Razors and Churches

I purchased a new razor the other day. It had been thinking about it for a while, and I took the plunge and spend 5 bucks and got the new Gillette Power Glide Fusion Plus. it works great, but I must tell you, I was a little frightened to use this new razor.
What i didn't tell you is that for years I have used an electric razor to shave. I have never wanted to try the straight edge, up until recently.
Saturday was the big day. I got lathered up and began to shave. I have to tell you that I was slightly scared at what was going to happen. I had never done it before... (I had seen my father shave with a straight edge for years, but it's different when it's your own face) I don't think i was scared, just nervous. I was nervous as to how my face was going to re-act with a razor blade coming in contact with it.
I think the same thing can be said for people and church. I think people are somewhat frightened when they come to church for the first time.... they have no idea what's going to happen to them.. will someone cut me? will someone welcome me? will someone point out what I am doing wrong?
Razors and churches have more in common than you might think.

the next time someone comes to your church, why don't you go out of your way to make them feel welcome and comfortable, don't go overboard, but take the time to welcome them, and thank them for coming... this might be just the thing that will bring them back the next time.

i am pleased to say that my razor didn't cut my face then, or yet, and i hope that any church i pastor doesn'tt cut the very people who walk in our doors. They might come back if they have a "smooth" experinece. they will be less liklely to come back if they get cut. so be gentle with people, as gentle as I am when I shave...