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Welcoming churches: More and more, churches are emphasizing hospitality (reprint from Episcopalife, the National Publication of the Episcopal Church)
Liturgical churches are an anomaly for most people in the United Sates. The Rev. Stephen Smith, rector of Christ Church in Hudson, Ohio, knows that most visitors who walk into Episcopal churches are not traditional Episcopalians. "The image they get about Christianity, in general, is from their televangelists," he says. "Since we are not like that, people are confused. So to welcome people into our midst, we have a big job to do."
The job is a challenge, as more and more parishes recognize as they become intentional about their welcome. Trained greeters, clearly marked directional signs, accessible ramps or elevators, and proper lighting become important physical proofs of welcome. But the more subtle signs - like avoiding "code" language and Anglican jargon - are just as important for people to make them feel more comfortable during the service.
When an individual takes the time to find us and then shows up at our door, we need to be ready to welcome him, says the Rev. Charles Fulton, director for congregational development at the Episcopal Church Center. "The real difference between a welcoming congregation and a non-welcoming congregation is primarily whether they are there for themselves or for the visitor," says Fulton. "We need to realize that we put up a lot of hurdles, even when we are trying to be friendly. We use a lot of "code" language; we do our liturgy for ourselves and not for our visitors. Welcoming is not just something we do because we hope to have a visitor… Reaching out to those who don't yet know God's reconciling love is not just another "thing;" it's the thing for Christians."
The future of the church and the goal of 20/20 - doubling church membership by the year 2020 - both depend greatly on being welcoming, according to the Rev. LeeAnne Watkins of the Standing Commission on Domestic Mission and Evangelism. "But the benefits go further. Inviting people into a life with Christ will transform their hearts and therefore their relationships and then certainly the world around them."
Copyright © 2003 St. Augustine by-the-Sea
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