Who gets in? Who gets left out in the cold? The door man decides.

Several years ago, The Los Angeles Times entertainment website unveiled a cover story on the city’s club scene. Profiling door men who screen entry intoexclusive establishments, the article explains that success is attached to what you wear and who you are with (not to mention how much cash you are willing to part with). Over the last twenty years, the profession evolved from leather-clad, biker “security”men into headset-wearing, business suits sporting sunglasses at night. It is not a comfortable job.

Can you imagine doing that? You are on the front lines, rarely getting to enjoy what’s going on inside. You must endure long hours outside in all kinds of weather. You have to deal with people – some who like what you do and others who despise your work.

Kind of like being a pastor isn’t it?

Through our spirit of hospitality we control who gets into our church and who is excluded. (I hope it isn’t based on what someone is wearing!) Through our personal example we impact the guest sensitivity of leaders, teachers, and greeters throughout our church. Through our messages we can either reward or ignore the welcoming behaviors of our members.

The psalmist writes about this experience in Psalm 84:10 (NIV)”Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.” The Temple entrance was typically crowded with persons begging alms, often unqualified to enter theTemple due to disease or deformity. It was a lowly job in a lowly place.

The door man was NOT the most sought-after position on the Temple staff.

Yet – one day serving at the doorway to His presence is experientially better than a thousand elsewhere.

See you at the door this Sunday guys!