Wide Welcome: How the Unsettling Presence of Newcomers Can Save the Church

by Jessicah Krey Duckworth

In Wide Welcome, Jessicah Krey Duckworth presents the stark differences between the established congregation, which cares for current members and congregational identity, and the disestablished one, intentionally equipped to facilitate the encounter between new and established members. The disestablished congregations, she says, gains purpose and identity in the task of relating to the newcomer, and by doing so engages the world in powerful new ways. By intentionally extending the time of newcomer inquiry and allowing their questions, insights, and experiences to reverberate through the entire congregation both they and the church are changed. Duckworth intentionally lays out possible designs for newcomer welcome that are local and particular.

Genres: Religion

144 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2013

Reviews

[Robert D. Cornwall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Churches often say that they would like new people to come join them. But what does it mean to welcome the newcomer? And not only that, how does a church welcome that person(s)? Jessicah Krey Duckworth offers in a relatively brief book that is based on her Princeton Ph.D. dissertation in Practical Theology some answers to the question.

She writes as a Lutheran to Lutheran churches, but the message is applicable across denominational lines. She suggests that newcomers can be unsettling to congregations, but that this is a good thing. She suggests that the way forward is to embrace the concept of discipleship rather than assimilation. She also wants us to recognize that the way forward requires that old and new are brought together in relationship -- with both learning from each other as the journey forward commences. Thus, the newcomer isn't segregated from long-termers.

It is written as an academic book, but it should prove insightful, especially to clergy. As I read the book I realized that I (and we) fall short of what she advises. Much to think upon here.

[Matt Keadle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'd have given it that last star if it didn't read like a dissertation. That said, it's one of the few books I've read that wrestles with what it means to welcome newcomers and build community from a perspective consistent with my theology and ethics. Too often the answers to "Why should we grow our church?" are uncomfortably close to (a) the capitalist growth-for-growth's sake success model or (b) institutional maintenance or the equally unhelpful but very popular right now (c) just focus on mission and don't worry about growing the community, which ignores the fact that you actually need a living community in order to carry out your mission and that that community doesn't just magically appear because you carry out mission. The chapters in this book give us a deeper way in. Super helpful.

[Jessica Mccoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jessicah Duckworth touches upon issues that have plagued the Lutheran church for years now...how to care for and welcome newcomers into the church while maintaining good relationships with the members who have been there for years.

Jessicah's own thoughts as well as research and thoughts from people she's interviewed should make you think. Is your church actually welcoming newcomers? If the answer is no...or maybe even I don't know? Give your pastor this book. And pick one up for yourself. It'll open your mind and eyes to the truth of newcomers.