I Have Called you by Name

By Katy Miller

Isaiah 43:1

       But now thus says the LORD,

       he who created you, O Jacob,

   he who formed you, O Israel:

“Fear not, for I have redeemed you;

I have called you by name, you are mine. (ESV)

The Welcome Team at Oak Hill is always seeking to “welcome others as Christ has welcomed us, for the glory of God.” (Romans 15:7) We could spend a lot of time navigating all the ways scripture describes this welcome! Christ’s example of invitation into relationship with him embodies mercy, compassion, grace, truth, forgiveness, intentionality, and so much more. These characteristics are seen throughout the gospels in both Jesus’s words and deeds harmoniously working together. His shepherding heart for people was always proven by his actions. 

One particular way we can reflect the Father’s purposeful heart of welcome is to work to learn and call people by their names. This simple act of intentionality opens the door for relationship, and shows that welcoming others doesn’t need to be complicated. In fact, this simple act of love is often where the Lord started in calling, commissioning, encouraging, and comforting his people.  

For example, the Lord called Hagar by name while she was fleeing the abusive hand of her master, Sarah, and desperately trying to survive in the wilderness. He followed this with a compassionate promise to multiply her offspring. Or consider when he called Moses by name, acknowledging the suffering of the Israelites in the land of Egypt and then promising to be with Moses as he led his people into the Promised land. The story of Martha, in the New Testament, is another instance. As she anxiously complains to Jesus about her heavy workload and lack of sisterly help, Jesus calls her name and gently reminds her that time with himself is most important. 

When God calls people by name, he demonstrates that he is both intentional and personal. Whether a visitor walking into our building for the first time, or a fellow church member we see on a Sunday morning, we can take the opportunity to reflect this care of God. Sometimes this is intimidating, because let’s be honest, remembering new (and sometimes old) names can be difficult! But we should not let that stop us from trying! 

Here are some practical ways to help us grow in learning a name:

• When meeting someone new for the first time, work to naturally repeat their name 3-4 times in the conversation. This gives your brain more opportunities to store this new information.

• As you learn a new name, try to immediately connect or associate it with a person you already know. 

• Introduce them to others! Not only is this a great habit to immediately connect visitors at Oak Hill, but it gives us an opportunity to repeat their names again.

• Don’t be afraid to ask again, and even again. Most of the time people appreciate the work that you’re taking to learn their name, and they don’t mind repeating! 

  
  

Whether a member of the Welcome Team or not, let’s grow together as a church family who reflects the Father’s loving care to know and call others by name!