We practise hospitality and generosity.
God gives a warm welcome. We meet God in relationship with people.
Being welcoming and inclusive fosters spiritual growth by reflecting God’s love for all people.
A church that prioritises hospitality will have a missional impact by creating safe spaces where people feel truly at home.
Numerical growth may happen naturally when visitors and newcomers feel genuinely welcomed and integrated into the church family.
Action ideas
- Show what worship services look like online so people who are interested can get an idea before visiting.
- Be generous – don’t serve the cheapest biscuits.
- Pick a good welcome team, train them, and don’t distract them when they are working.
- Produce A5 laminated cards that explain what happens in a typical service, put them in the seats.
- Get a playpen and toddler toys and put them somewhere visible.
- Explore the Church at the Margins resources to consider how to balance the power dynamics in your community.
- Explore God Welcomes All, a four-session study guide encouraging all members of the Methodist Church to look at our Christian calling that offers a welcome to all, whilst ensuring that our worship and wider church life is safe for everyone. It includes short films, activities and questions for discussion and reflection.
