We will be worshipping in our new church building soon! We have an amazing opportunity to invite, bring, and welcome new people who are not yet part of our church family. It takes courage for somebody to attend a new church where they may not know anybody. Our job is to welcome our guests and visitors and offer them radical hospitality.
Radical hospitality is more than being friendly. It demands something more from us. It demonstrates we really care and that we sincerely want new people to be a part of our church family. Radical hospitality says that we are willing to be uncomfortable so others can be comfortable. It requires us to be intentional. And, it requires action.
Radical hospitality is not just a responsibility for our greeters. Welcoming new people and families is an opportunity and responsibility we all share! Practicing radical hospitality is neither difficult nor complicated. It does require us to engage people we don’t know yet.
Here are ten simple, practical ways all of us can practice radical hospitality on Sunday mornings:
- Park in the spaces farthest from the front door to leave the closest spaces for new people and families. (OK…if mobility issues are an issue for you or you have a bunch of little kids and walking long distances between your vehicle and the building doesn’t work…you can skip this one.)
- Sit towards the front of the worship center and leave the aisle seats open. This allows new people who might be running late a comfortable way to enter the worship center.
- If you have kids fifth grade or under – arrive 10 minutes early and check them in. This will reduce the time our new families have to wait in line.
- The cleanliness of the parking lot and building are essential to first impressions. Be that guy. Or that gal. Be the person to pick up trash or fix something that is out of place.
- Be aware of people who are new and offer to help them. Take them to the kids or refreshment area. Talk to them along the way!
- Challenge yourself to spend three minutes every Sunday talking to people you don’t know. Introverts, two minutes will be acceptable for you.
- Have your favorite Water’s Edge story ready to share. It may be as simple as why you come to the Water’s Edge or something you love about our church.
- Take our guest to the “Are You New?” table so they can get a gift and information about The Water’s Edge.
- Invite someone to join your small group or serving team.
- Invite a friend or neighbor or somebody to worship with us. Better yet—bring them!
Let’s have fun with this and make all of our guests and visitors feel beyond welcome!
