As we reflect on our role as a church, it's important to ask ourselves: Are we truly a welcoming community? Is our church environment designed to help newcomers feel at home quickly? Do we make an effort to engage with new visitors, or do we tend to stick with the groups we already know?

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The Bible offers significant teaching on the importance of welcoming others. In Deuteronomy 10:19, we are instructed, "You shall also love the stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt." Similarly, Jesus, as recorded in Matthew 25:35, says, "I was a stranger and you welcomed me." The letter to the Hebrews also advises, "Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers" (Hebrews 13:2). These and many other passages emphasize the importance of extending a warm welcome to those who come among us.

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A few years ago, I encountered a perspective on ministry that has deeply inspired me and prompted me to rethink how we welcome people to our church. This perspective comes from Richard Schnase, a bishop in the American Methodist Church, who introduced his ideas in 2007 through his work "The Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations." The five practices are: Radical Hospitality, Passionate Worship, Intentional Faith Development, Risk-Taking Mission and Service, and Extravagant Generosity.

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Each practice encourages us to critically assess our approach to church life and our efforts to welcome new members. In particular, Schnase's concept of Radical Hospitality emphasises being outward-looking and focusing on those who are not yet part of our church community. Radical here means practices that are rooted in Christ and significantly differ from the norm, often involving going the extra mile.

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According to Schnase, effective Radical Hospitality means that newcomers should feel:

• That people genuinely care about them,

• That their best interests are valued,

• That they are more than just a number or an outsider,

• That they are being invited into the body of Christ.

 

In church life, it's easy to focus on what we expect from the church rather than what the church expects from us. Just as it's easy to expect God to fulfil His role in our lives without recognising our own responsibilities, so too can we overlook our role in welcoming others.

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At St John’s, we strive to be a welcoming community. However, like any dedicated team, there is always room for growth and improvement. The term "disciple" means learner, and as followers of Jesus, we are continuously learning how to better live out His teachings. I look forward to growing together in our commitment to welcoming others and embodying Radical Hospitality during this connexional year 2024-2025...

 

With best wishes,

 

David Jebb