We can do many things to be good hosts

Reflections on the Church:
Welcoming strangers

We want our churches to feel welcoming. We want to practice hospitality. Local churches can do many simple things to be gracious hosts.
I have invited Douglas Cannon, Southwest Texas Conference communications and public witness director, to the Austin District to do a workshop on “What Do We Do When Visitors Come?” Stay tuned for the dates and locations.
Recently I heard Dr. Michael Hawn, professor of church music at Southern Methodist University’s Perkins School of Theology, offer practical suggestions for welcoming strangers in the worship hour. These actions are not merely marketing techniques; they are based on our beliefs as Christians.
First, allow worshipers to hear one other language in your worship—as a reminder that we do not gather alone. That could be a short phrase or a verse of a hymn or a portion of scripture. In many of our churches, we often have persons for whom English is a second language.
Another idea: Remember that who is up front counts for much. Over time, have a diverse, prepared lay leadership in worship. Recruit children, older adults, college students, people from all educational levels, as well as people from different races and nationalities—in addition to people who look just like the majority of members. Include a diverse collection of people in planning for worship. That demonstrates to strangers that you are an inclusive congregation and that they would be welcome.
Finally, in your prayers and concerns, pray for the needs of the world fully and intentionally. Of course we will remember to pray for those who are near and dear to us. But why do we stop there? Do we believe in a God who is only concerned with us?
When we pray for people and events in the larger world (not only during disasters), we are demonstrating that our God is the God of all peoples and nations and that God is at work everywhere to bring redemption, to relieve suffering and to open new doors for peace.
In the Austin District, people of many nations and races are all around us. Let them know that God’s love in Christ is for all people.