Hot Yoga Says…What Visitors Need Most
“The bells are ringing, for me and my gal…” Yes folks, the Scheuermann family will be having wedding #2 of 2026 this Friday. Our first born, Luke, is getting married to the lovely Sara. What fun! Too bad Judy Garland and Gene Kelly can’t be there. And for those of you who have no idea who Judy and Gene are…take a listen.
About a month ago, my gym shut down. After dealing with long-term COVID for the past three years, the owner (and former trainer), couldn’t make it work when he lost a major contract with a corporation. I had been with the gym and working out three days a week with a group of great women (and a terrific new trainer) for six years. The loss has been hard.
I started the unenviable task of finding somewhere new to land. Ugh. I hate change.
So far, I’ve only been to two different exercise classes, but my experiences between the two could not be more different. It reminds me of people who are trying to decide if they will fit in with your congregation.
Experience #1: I had a friend invite me to try hot yoga. Yes, cue all the jokes and rolling eyes, but I decided that this was an adventure I should go for. How bad could it be for one hour to be in a room at 98 degrees? Pretty bad, I must say. I was sweating like a dog, trying not to grunt too loudly as I attempted to contort my body in ways most bodies (young or old) should not contort. But I was there for it. I could do anything for an hour.
Most importantly, the class instructor was super positive about how I was doing, I was thinking, “Is she nuts? Doesn't she really see how I’m lamely doing all the moves?” But her cheery demeanor and sincere encouragement made me feel like I had achieved something. It made all that sweat worth it as I staggered home.
Experience #2: I went to a barre (sort of a ballet with a bar to hold onto) class. The instructor never introduced herself and she seemed to be in a bad mood. Every time she walked over to correct me, I tensed up and felt totally uncoordinated (which, I admit, I am). There was no sense of “you can do this, I’m happy you’re giving it a try.”
I even went to the class a second time. It was no different: she had the same sour demeanor, continued to give me the vibe that I was out of place and out of my league. She didn’t even acknowledge me when I saw her a few minutes after class in the hall. Who needs that?
I still haven’t landed on the perfect new exercise class. But I can tell you, if you forced me to choose right now, hands down, I’d go to the place where people believe in me, welcome me, and tell me, “You’ve got this.” Bring on the hot yoga.
Which experience are you giving people who visit your congregation? Are you upbeat and happy to meet a new person? Or do you ignore the visitor, project a Debbie Downer façade, and hope someone else will tell them hello?
No doubt about it, you’re Team Hot Yoga! Right? Right?!
Most of us can use a few reminders of how to do something even better than we are currently doing it. Fortunately, the Lewis Center for Church Leadership is here to assist with a list of 50 Ways to Welcome New People.
Their first two suggestions are the basis for everything on their list that follows:
Teach that hospitality is at the core of the Gospel.
Teach your congregation to honor Christ in everyone and that God seeks to be in relationship with ALL persons.
Here’s the challenge: give your visitors the Hot Yoga experience – minus the sweat and body contortions – and see if a few of them won’t return because of it.
Get the welcome mat ready to be rolled out.
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Last year I interviewed my friend, Rev. Greg Allen-Pickett for a post: When Burning It Down Isn’t an Option. I’m glad to let you know that the book he was working on has been published! Purple Church, Red State: Finding Common Ground in an Age of Polarization may just be the book you need to read – or lead a small group (or church-wide) study using it.
Photo credit: Andrej Lisakov @pexels.com
##Cesie Delve Scheuermann (pronounced “CC Delv Sherman,” yes, really) is a Stewardship Consultant for the OR-ID Annual Conference. She is also a Senior Ministry Strategist with Horizons Stewardship – helping with capital campaigns and encouraging more generosity. For 25 years, while working as a volunteer and part-time consultant, she has helped raise millions of dollars for numerous churches and non-profit organizations. She’s wondering if this 3-minute yoga workout is what she should be pursuing.
You can reach Cesie at inspiringgenerosity@gmail.com, at CesieScheuermann.com, or at cesieds@horizons.net. Want to schedule a meeting? She’s got you covered!
Schedule a meeting now.
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