Pastors, Here’s a Novel Idea: Invite Newcomers to Lunch

Include church members that are good at making people feel welcome

We’ve all heard the old adage about the revolving church door. People come in and, before we know what happened, they leave, never to return. But what if this didn’t have to be the case? How do we treat those visiting or relatively new to our churches in ways that make them know we are glad they came?

Although there are lots of ways to do this, I want to briefly look at one routine event: mealtimes. Meals are great ways to get to know people and extend hospitality. Read More

This really isn't a novel idea. My mother's church has had monthly newcomers' lunches since the 1980s. They have varied from finger food to more substantial meals. Wine is usually served with the meal although for a time it was replaced by sparkling apple cider at the suggestion of an AA member who also a member of the church. It was and I believe still is the largest Episcopal church in its deanery, having weathered the last few years due to the positive image that it has developed and maintained in the communities that it serves. Other churches in the deanery and the diocese have not done so well. At least two parishes became missions again, one new work folded, and another new work would maintain a shadow existence for a number of years before it disbanded. At least two churches or a large part of their congregations joined the Anglican Church in North America.