Being welcoming congregations

Among the many resources on the Congregational Life Hub are those about ministry in your congregation. And within that suite is a range of advice and tips about ensuring your congregation is the most welcoming it can be. With Christmas bringing many first-time visitors, it’s a great moment to refresh your welcoming practices. 

We know our God is a welcoming God. When we lovingly and warmly welcome people, we demonstrate that love and point them to Jesus.

Creating a welcoming church means considering how:

• members of the congregation can welcome visitors and newcomers
• visitors are greeted and connected with before, during and after services and other ministry activities
• the buildings and facilities meet people’s physical needs and reflect a warm welcome
• the congregation’s website or online presence invites all visitors to engage
• worship and ministry activities include people unfamiliar with church life
• worship and ministry activities include people from different cultural backgrounds and people of all ages – from small children to the elderly.

HANDY GUIDE FOR CHURCHES

A Welcoming Churches Guide has been prepared by the LCANZ to assist congregations in being spaces and communities of welcome. You can download the guide and other resources at www.lca.org.au/ministry-in-your-congregation/#welcoming

WELCOMING IDEAS

The ‘welcoming congregations’ section also says it only takes 10 minutes to make a lasting impression with newcomers at your church. It includes some 10-minute windows that can help make anyone new to your congregation feel welcome. These include checks and changes for before, during and after the service. The resource also addresses matters outside of your church building, as well as inside it.

Ideas are included for welcoming in a digital space, a guide to greeting and ushering, and greeting and ushering checklists.

Find out more at www.lca.org.au/ministry-in-your-congregation/#welcoming