Chris Walker’s “How to Welcome Church Visitors” is as relevant for the UK scene as it is for the USA.
He invites us to strike the right balance between people’s need for personal space and their need to feel welcomed; asks what impression we give through the way we care for our premises; and considers how we extend hospitality in simple, practical ways.
Most of his observations can be acted on without the need for cultural translation (except, perhaps, the American provision of “bathrooms” instead of “toilets”!)
He fully recognizes that there is a God-factor that is outside of our control, but he does offer down-to-earth, practical factors that are properly our responsibility. These are not churchy gimmicks but straightforward acts of kindness, care and consideration that help visitors want to come back. It’s suprising how ‘obvious’ they are, and how easily they are overlooked!
Rev Paul Stokes,
United Reformed Church Minister in Plymouth, Devon
Plymstock United Church
Order your downloadable copy: How to Welcome Church Visitors
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