I still don’t consider myself an auditory learner but since I’m a lifelong learner and there is only so much time, I have found podcasts to be a great way to acquire new knowledge. I don’t always catch everything that is said if I’m listening while doing something else, but it’s a start.
One of the podcasts I stumbled upon while in the land of church communications and leadership, for ministry purposes, was Rainer on Leadership. Dr. Rainer likes his research and stats, so I love that whatever he shares is backed up by lots of data. He is also the kind of leader who goes back to dig deep if his analysis is found to be less than correct.
So with the information he has gathered about churches during this rapidly changing time, he has written a new book called Becoming a Welcoming Church. Now, of course, all churches are unique to their communities and such, but there are always general trends that can be considered.
A welcoming church is a going church. The members realize that church is not a place confined to walls, but a people determined to go.
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Beauty in Becoming
I think we are all “becoming” something or someone. We experience so many new things every day and those experiences change us. When we read a book, eat food, do something kind, receive a gesture of kindness, offer forgiveness, visit a new place, try something scary, we are becoming more knowledgeable, filled, loving, loved, forgiven, cultured, and brave. It can go positively or negatively, but I hope I am making choices to becoming a better person who loves God and loves those around me. There is a beauty in becoming better than we were before. Not in the sense of pridefulness or conceitedness, but in a way where, out of the overflow of goodness and experiences we’ve had, that we can encourage, guide, and support others in their journey. Dr. Rainer does just this in his book. From case studies and his own personal experiences of decades of ministry work, he has created a helpful resource for churches.
Welcoming Encouragement
Becoming a Welcoming Church is my type of book because it includes lists. I love a good list because it helps me to see points being made. And speaking of points, at the end of each chapter, there are “Points to Ponder.” I have always found it helpful to pause and reflect on actions I have taken. This is what we can do with the Points. While I have been a long-time church-goer and know the general flow of how church “works,” I have also been a church-visitor. I have lots to say on both of these, but more to say than this posts will allow. 😉 But I think it is always good to have a fresh set of eyes when considering whether or not a church is really as welcoming as long-time members think it is. There is absolutely nothing wrong with deep connections if we are willing to step out from time to time.
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I love the resources at the back of the book to help church leaders take a look at things they might miss as a long-time attendee and/or leader in their church that might be off-putting to someone visiting for the first time. With the changing of times, it really means starting with the first impression someone gets when they see your church website, and Dr. Rainer helps us to go through the big and small details of becoming a welcoming church.
Your turn: What is your top tip for making others feel welcome wherever you are?
Don’t forget to get your copy here or any location where books are sold! –> *amzn.to/2qCcsJO
*Note: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a tiny percentage if you make a purchase through my link at no extra cost to you. Read my disclosure policy here.