Thursday, July 24, 2014

10 ways to improve your church's hospitality


It's a stereotype that's been around for about as long as dear old Agnes who falls asleep in the second pew every Sunday – churches don't do hospitality well.

We're very good at opening our homes, providing an endless supply of quiches for the annual bring-and-share lunch and encouraging generosity. So why is it that we reach the front of the tea and coffee queue only to be confronted by a plate of dodgy-looking homemade cakes and tea horribly reminiscent of that middle-class painting luxury 'eggshell white'?

Turn to the kids table, and you'd be forgiven for recoiling in horror. Biscuits (no chocolate ones in sight) which look disconcertingly like they may have already been licked, and weak squash. We don't need to tell you why this stuff matters... and yes, of course you can be welcoming and still serve rubbish refreshments (or none at all). But why not take this chance not just to get your snacks in order, but give your church a full hospitality audit? It will make all the difference for strangers and visitors in your midst.... Keep reading
We don't serve tea, biscuits, or cake at the Journey--only granola bars, fruit (bananas), bottled water, natural fruit flavorings for the water, and two kinds of Starbucks coffee--French Roast (dark) and Breakfast Blend (medium). We use a taster to check the strength of the coffee. In the colder months, we also serve hot chocolate. For a number of years we served donuts but phased out the donuts and replaced them with healthier granola bars and fruit.  Many of the young people who attend the Journey do not have an opportunity to eat breakfast beforehand. The Journey Cafe is open before the 9:30 AM and 11:00 AM worship gatherings but is closed after the 11:00 AM service. This is in part necessitated by the fact that we are a mobile church and must begin tear-down after that service. 

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