Welcoming is how we show kindness, acceptance, and hospitality to everyone - guests and members alike. People catch glimpses of Christ through their encounters with us. In a nation that's becoming more unchurched all the time, we need to ensure that seekers encounter in us a Christ that they want to know better.

Looking within, we all need to place ourselves in the footsteps of a visitor to find welcoming barriers. Resources such as Mystery Guest Audit and Walk-Thru Assessment can help you discover and address all kinds of physical and perception barriers.

Stepping into your community can be as simple as a door hanger campaign or a radio PSA. How about classified ads (yes, there are "Open Hearts" classified ads). You can find getting-started help in Stepping Into Igniting Ministry. If you would like to (yourself, or in partnership with other local churches) have a television presence, our Matching Grant program might be able to help you double your budget! Below are more helpful resources and links.

Welcoming plays a vital role in living the promise of "Open hearts. Open minds. Open doors." with the seekers coming to your church as a result of the United Methodist national television commercials. MORE

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