Last Sunday I had multiple occasions where people I didn’t know came up to me at church and asked me questions as if I’m the pastor. I’m not. I have no official capacity or role. I’m just a guy in the crowd, but last week several people needing pastoring decided they’d get it from me.

I was pondering that seemingly odd occurrence with a friend who said “Well, you know why, don’t you?” No. I don’t. So tell me. He said “You look the part. Look at the gray hair. And then, you are the most overt guy greeting everyone at the front door. You are effectively “the face” of our church.”

Oh really?

One of the great complaints heard over and over about our church is that it isn’t friendly; that you can attend there and no one speaks to you. So a few months ago a friend and I decided we’d fix that. Neither of us have a title, or role, or official position. We’re just guys in the crowd. But we decided that we were going to do what we could to change the atmosphere at our church and we both started standing at the front door, holding it open, greeting people, patting backs, kissing babies, telling people we were glad to see them, and generally striving to make people feel at home.

It’s been fun to watch the metamorphosis over the past few months. Originally people acted like we were weird and they refused eye contact. But they warmed up and began to speak. Then some offered handshakes (which I don’t personally prefer). And now, the front door to our church is kind of a big love fest. Many people shout greetings from afar. There is back slapping, and big smiles adorn many faces. I think our efforts have made a difference in the countenance and attitude of the worshippers; one that subconsciously sets them up to better engage with God and hear from Him in the worship experience.

“You are the face” of our church. Hmmm. I don’t know. I’m just trying to be a friendly guy at the front door. But I got to thinking about it, and I kinda like the designation. When Obama goes to another country he becomes “the face” of the United States. When he’s not present, our ambassador in the country is the “official face” of the U.S.

Yes, yes. I am the face, not of our church, but of Jesus. And furthermore, I intend to be the face. In fact, I think everybody ought to show up intentionally planning to be the face. I think you and I should look for opportunities to be the face. Wherever our foot steps, it should be the objective of a Jesus follower to “Be the Face in that Place.” At work. At school. In the neighborhood. At the club. At the funeral home. In the grocery store. Let’s be intentional about being the face in that place.

“We are therefore ambassadors for Christ….” (I Corinthians 5:20)