August 21, 2012

Welcome (Back) to Church

As we approach the beginning of the church's program year, it is a wonderful time to brush up on hospitality and evangelism. We created this collection of articles to help Episcopal congregations do just that. Interested in receiving these "collections" by email? Click here to register for our mid-month email blast.

At the End of the Day
In this article, Mary Parmer showcases the wide array of practical resources that the Diocese of Texas has developed in the areas of hospitality and evangelism. "Complacency around newcomer ministry is the greatest challenge for Episcopal congregations today, and it might be our prevailing sin. We think of ourselves as a 'friendly community' when in reality we are a 'community of friends.'" 

Back to Church Sunday
Did you know that this year's Back to Church Sunday takes place on September 16th? Check out this video from last year's event and consider how your church will make an extra effort to welcome visitors and newcomers on that day.

Popular Blog Posts:

The Church that Plays Together - Does your congregation value both worship AND play?

Time Lapse Movie of Your Church - What would a time lapse video of your church look like?

Telling Stories - Episcopal worship is centered in repetition. And there's a reason for that.

Tools and Resources:

Understanding Change and Transition - How are change and transition different?

Press Release Tips - Tips for getting the word out about your church to the local press.

Press Release Template - A basic template for writing press release to local press.

Practicing Our Slogan
What would it look like if we truly practiced our slogan "The Episcopal Church Welcomes You"? Last year, the Rev. Scott Gunn went undercover to a variety of Episcopal congregations to experience how they welcome visitors. In this blog post, Scott offers practical suggestions for ways we can improve in our evangelism and hospitality. How will your church be welcoming visitors this year?