As an introvert, I *want* to be a silent observer in the back my first few times. Don’t bother me, please.
But once I started ushering, I often stationed myself back in the back. If I saw someone alone and seemingly troubled, I would see if they were still there when the service was over and introduced myself and simply said. “Thank you for coming. I noticed you are here alone. Is there possibly anything I could pray for?”
If they say “no” and act like they want to be left alone, I thank them again and walk away. But some open up and you hear stories of heartbreak. People who are dealing with a personal crisis and are looking for answers and don’t come to church but don’t know where else to turn. Some are newly divorced or just lost a loved one or lost their job and it meant something to know someone would pray for them and it was a comfort to be told that God understands and He cares. Some just need to hear that. For others, I try to connect them with a ministry for people with specific issues.
Such encounters mean much more to me than a “meet and greet” that forces you to shake hands and possibly spread germs.
Good for you.