I am not overly fond of name tags. They seem to be a common part of conferences and conventions. They signal to the hosts that the wearer has paid the convention registration fee, but they serve a more important function as well. Being able to call someone by name without fumbling through brain freeze makes the event more welcoming and friendly. One of my silly jokes is that I like to wear my name tag upside down so I can look down and read it if I forget my own name. Perhaps the resistance many of us have to name tags has to do with our own identity. We like the feeling that we are known. Being a recognized part of the group gives us a sense of belonging. Some of us do not like to draw attention to ourselves and a name tag makes us feel we are open to public scrutiny. At times in church we try to get everyone to wear a name tag. This never seems to last very long. We forget the name tag at home or don’t remember to pick it up at church. After all we have been going here for years and doesn’t everyone know us? Visiting in other churches and being name tagged has given me a slightly different perspective. When I am the only one wearing a name tag I feel uncomfortable, but when everyone is wearing one it feels less like I’m the center of attention. Being called by name and calling others by name is welcoming. I would just as soon not wear a name tag, but if it makes my church more welcoming to visitors and strangers, I guess I could go ahead and do it for their comfort. It seems like a Jesus kind of thing to do.