Episcopal Church Foundation Vestry Papers - for leading congregations

I’d love to see an episode of Undercover Rector.

Taking a cue from reality TV, the rectors would cast off the alb, dye their hair and magically  transform into someone unrecognizable. They would visit the church a few times during the week, definitely on Sunday but also perhaps one afternoon, posing as someone seeking counseling or financial assistance.

The Undercover Rector could see the church as a newcomer. Are the doors open when they arrive? Does someone welcome them heartily but without overkill? Are rooms thoughtfully labeled or do they use insider code?

Our signs say The Episcopal Church welcomes you but sometimes our actions don’t live that out. Too often we’re hospitable in convenient ways – Join us for coffee hour – and oblivious to the more challenging ones – May I sit down and learn more about you while my friends are talking at another table?

Consider these three components of infrastructure hospitality:

1. Parking: Are there good, close spots marked clearly for visitors? Do you have plenty of handicapped spots? Have you thought about designating parking for families with small children? (Grocery stores set aside spots for them; why not the church?)

2. Entering the building: Are the doors open or do visitors have to walk a 5K around the building to find one that’s unlocked? Does your external signage require an Anglican studies certificate? (Note: Very few people will know what you mean by the word “nave.”) Are the entryways clean and inviting?

3. Childcare: Is the nursery located close to the sanctuary or do newcomers have to travel over the river, through the woods, up the stairs and down the hall to drop off their precious children? Does the nursery look appealing, with age-appropriate toys amid a colorful setting? Is there a sign-in procedure so visitors feel more comfortable leaving their kids in the care of strangers?

An entire overhaul of existing systems can be overwhelming, so start improving your hospitality with these three elements. Upcoming episodes of Undercover Rector will feature hospitality in worship, fellowship and community relations. 

And let’s build this hospitality checklist together. Send in other suggestions to add to the list.