Across generations, locations and cultures, people desire to welcome others well. The art of hospitality is examined thoroughly in groups, and there is a myriad of ideas for how to receive guests and invite them into an experience. Christian communities join in asking, “How do we welcome people to our church?”
I typed this question into an AI software to see what response I would get. AI generated advice that included greetings such as “hello” or “welcome aboard,” making eye contact, giving a handshake, offering refreshments. While these standard responses can be helpful, they lack in the depth and creativity most of us seek for our church communities.
USMB church leaders I talked with agree that welcoming people begins with the overall mission of the church. Scripture reminds us of our call to share the gospel and to “keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters. Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it” (Heb. 13:1-2). The reason we welcome guests well is because God loves all people and wants us to be in community with God and each other.
Dave Thiessen, executive pastor at Mountain View Church in Fresno, California, believes that we are all called to be mission-minded and to reach out to people who are spiritually lost. Following God’s call to create “a culture of hospitality is deeper than ‘Let’s be friendly.’ Instead, we are connecting people with Jesus.”
In some churches, the point of connection happens before people enter the building. Jana Hildebrandt works with guest engagement for Ridgepoint Church in Wichita, Kansas, to “connect people to people, not just to ministries.” Her team realized that the majority of visitors participate online before visiting in person, so they set up their website and texting service to include information a first-time guest would need. Church staff of large and small communities are fine-tuning their online presence to provide a warm welcome whether people physically gather with them or join their livestream.
Most church congregations are prayerfully considering how to welcome people when they come to gather in person, too. Mountain View Church developed a Guest Hub where visitors are encouraged to connect with extroverted volunteers after Sunday morning services. This provides a safe space for people to ask questions about the church as well as leave their connection cards with personal information. Thiessen says by making their community “more accessible,” people are willing to share their needs and form relationships.
A number of churches are following up with guests during the week by sending a personal video from the pastoral team or texting about upcoming events. Some churches try to do a home visit, while others leave information and an invitation via card, letter or inspirational coffee mug.
Hildebrandt reminds us that “none of us are experts” when it comes to the logistics of welcoming people, but the Spirit teaches us all to invite others to “come be seen and known, as you sit with us you will learn who God is.”
Caitlin Friesen is a native of Fresno, California, and a 2023 graduate of Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary. She has a passion for Jesus and a heart for children, both of which has been put to use as a backpacking guide, camp counselor and as associate pastor of children and family ministries at North Fresno Church. In September 2017, she and her husband, Ben, moved to Topeka, Kansas, where Ben serves as lead pastor at Cornerstone Community Church.
