A welcoming church doesn’t happen by accident. It requires intentionality, creativity, and a heart for people. By implementing these strategies, your church can become a place where newcomers not only feel comfortable but also find a true sense of belonging. Strong church outreach for newcomers begins with empathy and continues with practical steps that make people feel valued from the moment they walk through your doors. Welcoming new faces into your church community is one of the most vital aspects of church growth and ministry. While regular members may feel at home, newcomers often experience uncertainty and anxiety when stepping into an unfamiliar space. That’s why intentional efforts to be welcoming and inclusive are essential.
Late Pope Praised for Bringing ‘Joy of the Gospel’
Pope Francis, 266th successor of Saint Peter as Bishop of Rome and leader of the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics for the last eight years, died on April 21, Easter Monday, at his residence at the Domus Sanctae Marthae in the Vatican at 88. The official cause of death for Francis, born in Buenos Aires as Jorge Mario Bergoglio, was a stroke, followed by a coma and irreversible cardiocirculatory collapse. The pope’s health had seriously declined in recent months, and he spent four weeks in the hospital with pneumonia earlier this spring.
Related: Pope Francis: An appreciation; United Methodists Remember Pope FrancisPope Francis and the Sun
Bill McKibben reflects upon Pope Francis' environmentalism, his 2015 encyclical Laudato Si', and his championing of solar power.
A Prayer for the Earth
Pope Francis' Prayer for the Earth from his encyclical Laudato Si', adapted by Hazzan Steve Klaper & Br. Al Mascia, OFM, and set to music.
Our #1 Job
The first commandment from our Creator was to “tend the garden.” The task of caring for creation may seem daunting, but especially when we do it together, we discover God in new ways.
Related: Earth Day every day: Simple tips for a greener life; 10 Last-Minute Tips to Observe Earth DayHow to Help: Earth Month 2025
We’re on it, together. There’s just this one planet of ours, and it’s on all of us to safeguard a future with a livable climate, healthy communities and thriving nature—during Earth Month, on Earth Day and every day. Let’s put our heads, hands and hearts together and take action to preserve and protect the natural world for generations to come.
The Ever-Present Search for an Easy Christian Faith
The statistics surrounding the “great dechurching” of the past 25 years have given rise to commentary and concern, with speculation about the many reasons people drift away from church affiliation. Some may want to celebrate the endurance of those who still attend church regularly, but I don’t think even that picture should inspire optimism. I suspect a large number of those who still belong to a church family may not hold to all their church teaches but instead treat church membership as an accessory to a life primarily devoted to pursuits unrelated to Christ’s kingdom and mission.
Yes, Jesus Was Crucified With Nails
A recent article in Christianity Today titled “Was Jesus Crucified with Nails?” has been raising some animated discussion on social media—not surprising, since the opening sentence argues, “The Bible doesn’t say Jesus was nailed to a cross.”
Canticle of Creation
This adaptation of St. Francis' "Canticle of the Sun" was written by Dan Schute ("Glory and Praise to Our God," "Here I Am, Lord/I, the Lord of Sea and Sky;" "Sing a New Song") who also composed the music for this song. The sheet music is available from OCP.
The Ever-Present Search for an Easy Christian Faith
The statistics surrounding the “great dechurching” of the past 25 years have given rise to commentary and concern, with speculation about the many reasons people drift away from church affiliation. Some may want to celebrate the endurance of those who still attend church regularly, but I don’t think even that picture should inspire optimism. I suspect a large number of those who still belong to a church family may not hold to all their church teaches but instead treat church membership as an accessory to a life primarily devoted to pursuits unrelated to Christ’s kingdom and mission.
Yes, Jesus Was Crucified With Nails
A recent article in Christianity Today titled “Was Jesus Crucified with Nails?” has been raising some animated discussion on social media—not surprising, since the opening sentence argues, “The Bible doesn’t say Jesus was nailed to a cross.”
Canticle of Creation
This adaptation of St. Francis' "Canticle of the Sun" was written by Dan Schute ("Glory and Praise to Our God," "Here I Am, Lord/I, the Lord of Sea and Sky;" "Sing a New Song") who also composed the music for this song. The sheet music is available from OCP.
Canticle of the Sun
This adaptation of St. Francis' "Canticle of the Sun" was written by Marty Haugen ("All Are Welcome," "Bring Forth the Kingdom;" "Tree of Life").Haugen also composed the music. The sheet music is available from GIA.
Your Next Upgrade: Yamaha’s Best Church Speakers
Yamaha is a leading audio equipment manufacturer and their loudspeakers can be found on stages across the world. With their DXR12 1100-Watt 2-Way Powered Loudspeaker, they have created one of the best church speakers.
Rick Warren: 4 Practical Reasons to Join a Small Group
Why join a small group? We may attract attenders through preaching, but disciples are made in small groups. As you lead your congregation toward a deeper relationship with Jesus, you’ll want to explain to your members why small groups are so important to spiritual growth and why they are more than just a Bible study.
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