Many years ago, I served on a board that welcomed Carl to his first meeting as a new board member. Rob, an existing board member, started joking and jabbing some sharp comments at Carl, even though they had never met before.
Although that was not uncommon for Rob, his banter was rarely that harsh. The meeting ended with awkward feelings between Rob and Carl.
It was not terribly surprising to me when Carl announced his resignation from that board even though he only attended one meeting. I didn’t feel that Carl felt very welcome.
Ephesians 4:32 teaches, “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”
Joking and banter can help people feel welcome, but be sensitive to when kindness is more appropriate.
