We are in the season of Christmas and the approaching New Year—a time when churches often welcome many visitors! For many, Christmas does not feel complete without cherished traditions like candlelight worship, familiar carols, and the nativity story. These moments evoke a sense of nostalgia that draws people back, even if it has been years since they last walked through the doors of a church. As the New Year begins, people often resolve to “get back to church,” making the start of the year another key time when churches see an increase in guests.
This week, I listened to a podcast featuring a church consultant who shared a surprising and sobering observation from his visits to hundreds of churches. He noted that in 75% of the churches he attended, not a single person spoke to him! Even more surprising, every church believed their congregation would be different. “Oh, you wait until you visit our church,” they would insist, “Our church is so friendly,” yet over and over, his experience was the same.
It is not that churchgoers do not care about guests. Of course, we care. The problem is that we all tend to gravitate toward our friends on Sunday mornings. Without intentional effort, welcoming someone new simply does not make it onto our radar, yet as Kyle Matthews, our Minister of Pastoral Care, said in his welcome during worship a few Sundays ago: The best welcome anyone can receive comes from you! The hospitality we show to first-time guests can make a tremendous difference in whether they choose to return. It is our collective responsibility to create an environment where people feel noticed, welcomed and cared for.
It can be intimidating to talk to someone new, especially in a congregation our size, when you are unsure if someone is a guest or simply someone you have not met yet.
We can all play a part in making our church a warm and inviting space. Here are a few ideas to help you get started:
“Hi, I don’t think we’ve met yet. I’m [Your Name].”
“It’s great to see you! Remind me of your name?”
“I’ve seen you around, but I don’t think we’ve had a chance to talk yet. I’m [Your Name].”
“I’m terrible with names—have we met before?”
As we celebrate Christmas together and welcome the New Year, let us keep our hearts and eyes open for those who may be first-time guests or visiting for the first time in a long time. A warm smile and a kind word of welcome can make all the difference. This season is also a natural time to invite someone to join you for worship–whether it is a neighbor, a co-worker, or a friend.
I look forward to welcoming you and your guests this season!
—Carol