October 2, 2024

Deepen spirituality, strengthen invitation, offer radical hospitality and make the first minutes of worship count! Ha e you considered having refreshments available in the sanctuary, and making them available before, during and after worship? Some communities of faith are finding this a very welcoming, inclusive invitation of hospitality. One person said, “That hospitality helped me feel I might be able to fit, to belong here.”  Research is showing that people are most likely to make a decision about their comfort in the first twelve minutes of worship. Focus on worship at the beginning. Announcements moved to the end of the service, help people remember announcements and be able to speak to others while it is fresh in their minds. In the book “Thriving Churches,” United Church ministers Loraine MacKenzie Shepherd and Tammy Allan, describe thriving churches, both urban and rural as:  visionary,  vital, having positive energy, offering radical hospitality, willing to be changed, able to welcome and embrace new opportunities. This or other “thriving church” focused books might be a great read for individuals, leadership or book study discussions. Contact me if you want some book ideas, or perhaps you would like to do a spiritual health questionnaire with your community of faith? Ideas from people like Loraine MacKenzie Shepherd and Mitchell Anderson, might help your community of faith make new discoveries.