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We Want You Here
The message is basic but profound. We want guests to know they are welcome to the church. This book is a gift to guests to communicate that very message.
Bestselling author Thom S. Rainer (I Am a Church Member, Autopsy of a Deceased Church) has created a tool for churches to become more hospitable through a brief, welcoming book that introduces the ministry of the local church to guests. We Want You Here is a clear and instructive message to be given to church guests. Rainer facilitates the follow up conversation that every pastor would have, if they had the opportunity. By giving away the book to guests, they are encouraged, in a non-intrusive manner, to continue to reflect on the decision to visit their church.
Those churches who share We Want You Here will be able to tell their guests: • We Really Want You Here
• This is Not a Place for Perfect People
• We Would Like to Get to Know You
• This is Where Families Grow Strong
• Getting to Know the One Who Made Us
• Come Make a Difference with Us
• Thank You for Being Here
Bestselling author Thom S. Rainer (I Am a Church Member, Autopsy of a Deceased Church) has created a tool for churches to become more hospitable through a brief, welcoming book that introduces the ministry of the local church to guests. We Want You Here is a clear and instructive message to be given to church guests. Rainer facilitates the follow up conversation that every pastor would have, if they had the opportunity. By giving away the book to guests, they are encouraged, in a non-intrusive manner, to continue to reflect on the decision to visit their church.
Those churches who share We Want You Here will be able to tell their guests: • We Really Want You Here
• This is Not a Place for Perfect People
• We Would Like to Get to Know You
• This is Where Families Grow Strong
• Getting to Know the One Who Made Us
• Come Make a Difference with Us
• Thank You for Being Here
80 pages, Hardcover
Published March 1, 2018
27 people are currently reading
76 people want to read
About the author
Thom S. Rainer
132 books138 followersThom S. Rainer is the founder and CEO of Church Answers and Executive Director of Revitalize Network. He is a graduate of the University of Alabama where he received his degree in business administration. He received both the master of divinity and the Ph.D. degrees from Southern Seminary.
Dr. Rainer has served as pastor of four churches. He is the former president of Rainer
Group consulting. He served for twelve years as dean at Southern Seminary and for thirteen years as the president and CEO of LifeWay Çhristian Resources.
Dr. Rainer has authored or co-authored 33 books. Among his greatest joys are his family: his wife Nellie Jo; three sons, Sam, Art, and Jess; and eleven grandchildren.
Dr. Rainer has served as pastor of four churches. He is the former president of Rainer
Group consulting. He served for twelve years as dean at Southern Seminary and for thirteen years as the president and CEO of LifeWay Çhristian Resources.
Dr. Rainer has authored or co-authored 33 books. Among his greatest joys are his family: his wife Nellie Jo; three sons, Sam, Art, and Jess; and eleven grandchildren.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
July 12, 2023
I expected to pan this book in a review when I began it. It felt like another "church growth"-oriented, Gospel-lite pamphlet put out by LifeWay. Well, my presuppositions were exposed! This delightful book will be a staple for us as we follow up with visitors at our church. It paints a picture of an healthy church filled with imperfect people serving a Sovereign God who desire to love on each other and reach the outside world. The book includes a chapter with a Gospel presentation and presents church as a place where you can both be served and serve others. Thank for this helpful resource, Dr. Rainer!
February 26, 2018
I love Thom Rainer’s books but this wasn’t one of my favorites. It’s written to a church guest as though it came from your church. The main point is strong (we are thankful/ grateful that you visited our church) however it doesn’t require repeating for 7 chapters. On a positive note, it’s a quick read and might be a good guest gift.
April 21, 2018
This attractive hardback is a resource to put in the hands of visitors to your church. Thom Rainer, who has provided so many church resources, wrote this book. Since guests have such a wide variety of backgrounds, it took a lot of skill to pitch this book at a level that could catch the attention of many. It seems to me that Rainer pulled it off.
The first chapter gives five good reasons that the visitor is wanted at your church. Chapter 2 is one that not so much lowers expectations as it changes expectations. Gone is the idea that the church is a place of perfect people, yet there remains the high expectation that we as broken people will be loving to the broken people who visit us. Chapter 3 advertises the beauty of relationship. Chapter 4 talks about strengthening families in the context of the variety of family situations. Chapter 5 introduces God and is gently evangelistic. Chapter 6 encourages coming and being part of it while the last chapter thanks them for coming.
The chapters are short and easy to read without sacrificing what needs communicating. It’s classic Rainer. As a pastor, I’d be happy to put this attractive resource in visitor’s hands.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
The first chapter gives five good reasons that the visitor is wanted at your church. Chapter 2 is one that not so much lowers expectations as it changes expectations. Gone is the idea that the church is a place of perfect people, yet there remains the high expectation that we as broken people will be loving to the broken people who visit us. Chapter 3 advertises the beauty of relationship. Chapter 4 talks about strengthening families in the context of the variety of family situations. Chapter 5 introduces God and is gently evangelistic. Chapter 6 encourages coming and being part of it while the last chapter thanks them for coming.
The chapters are short and easy to read without sacrificing what needs communicating. It’s classic Rainer. As a pastor, I’d be happy to put this attractive resource in visitor’s hands.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
October 24, 2018
I almost did not include this little book on my reading list. I thought, "This book has too few pages. It surely shouldn't count!" I decided to include it for one reason only.
I hope some of my followers will read it, think about it, and consider using it at their church. I read it and will probably do so again. Our church bought 60 copies to give away to guests because the book powerfully, yet simply, communicates exactly what the title says. If you have visited our church, we are glad because we want you here.
Part church primer, part welcome, part thank you gift, this little volume invites people to faith in Jesus, involvement in church, connection with groups and ministries, and to become a part of what God is doing at church. It is written so as to be able to seem personal while explaining that it is not just from your church.
I had to include this book because it says what we want to say to the person investigating faith in Christ, the believer that has moved to our area and visited our church, or to the church member who feels disconnected.
We Want You Here!
I hope some of my followers will read it, think about it, and consider using it at their church. I read it and will probably do so again. Our church bought 60 copies to give away to guests because the book powerfully, yet simply, communicates exactly what the title says. If you have visited our church, we are glad because we want you here.
Part church primer, part welcome, part thank you gift, this little volume invites people to faith in Jesus, involvement in church, connection with groups and ministries, and to become a part of what God is doing at church. It is written so as to be able to seem personal while explaining that it is not just from your church.
I had to include this book because it says what we want to say to the person investigating faith in Christ, the believer that has moved to our area and visited our church, or to the church member who feels disconnected.
We Want You Here!
June 1, 2019
This book was so-so, and it probably would be useful for some churches; however, it just makes me think that churches need a more particular book for their own contexts. Grateful that Rainer is thinking about this need and wrote this book to help meet it (and somewhat start a conversation).
I think the main fault is who the intended audience is supposed to be. Though it's for guests, it's not clear whether or not it's for Christian guests or non-Christian guests. At times, I felt it was for one, and at times, for others, but it can't/shouldn't be both.
As well, one positive might be the simple sentence structure Rainer uses; it makes the book very readable. However, the reading level is, truly, VERY low, and in some contexts, this might be taken as a bit offensive. It assumes a pretty low level of intelligence from the reader. As a popular-level book, I think Rainer could've demanded a bit more from his readers. Again, this is the fault that the book is written broadly, but it'd be more helpful if there was a more specific audience.
I think the main fault is who the intended audience is supposed to be. Though it's for guests, it's not clear whether or not it's for Christian guests or non-Christian guests. At times, I felt it was for one, and at times, for others, but it can't/shouldn't be both.
As well, one positive might be the simple sentence structure Rainer uses; it makes the book very readable. However, the reading level is, truly, VERY low, and in some contexts, this might be taken as a bit offensive. It assumes a pretty low level of intelligence from the reader. As a popular-level book, I think Rainer could've demanded a bit more from his readers. Again, this is the fault that the book is written broadly, but it'd be more helpful if there was a more specific audience.
June 13, 2018
This little book is perplexing to me. On one hand, it would be a great resource for someone who is not only a guest to your church, but specifically to a newer Christian, if not someone who is completely foreign to Christianity. It’s very simple and easy to read. However, if every new guest at your church receives this as a gift, it assumes all of them to not be very developed in their faith. What do you do if someone who has been a Christian all their life and is a new guest at your church and gets this? They may not read it.
As a Connections Pastor, I personally would utilize the heart of the content by presenting something similar in a personal class or gathering for newcomers or new believers. This way they get the personal touch of the church actually communicating everything Rainer says on behalf of our churches. I think that would capture more of the goal that Rainer’s book sets out to do.
As a Connections Pastor, I personally would utilize the heart of the content by presenting something similar in a personal class or gathering for newcomers or new believers. This way they get the personal touch of the church actually communicating everything Rainer says on behalf of our churches. I think that would capture more of the goal that Rainer’s book sets out to do.
October 6, 2018
Very unique little book, written for a church to give to first time guests. We may use this at least for awhile. Rainer covers a lot of important ground in a short book. Reading it helped me as a pastor appreciate more what first time guests may be thinking or feeling, especially applicable in New England where I serve.
I didn’t give it 5 stars because the reading level is almost too basic to the point where it starts to feel very repetitive...he could have written it a little more interesting as I’m not sure the majority of guests will read to the end because of this. The gospel is finally clear in it, but not until the end.
I liked the idea one reviewer gave of including a Welcome Letter inside the book, where as the pastor I sum up why we are glad they visited and point them to the importance of the gospel at the end of the book.
I didn’t give it 5 stars because the reading level is almost too basic to the point where it starts to feel very repetitive...he could have written it a little more interesting as I’m not sure the majority of guests will read to the end because of this. The gospel is finally clear in it, but not until the end.
I liked the idea one reviewer gave of including a Welcome Letter inside the book, where as the pastor I sum up why we are glad they visited and point them to the importance of the gospel at the end of the book.
March 9, 2018
this is a companion book to Rainer's "Becoming a Welcoming Church", and he suggests that churches buy the book in bulk to gift to first time visitors. This is another book that can be read in under an hour, and it's an hour well-spent.
The book sets out to tell guests how important they are to the church, and how pleased the church would be to have them return on a regular basis. Rainer covers some of the basics of a local church, and some of the reasons why the local church is so important. I don't disagree with any of the things he includes, but because it definitely comes with his denominational bias, the book may not be appropriate for every church. If it had been appropriate for churches of most denominations, I would have rated it higher
The book sets out to tell guests how important they are to the church, and how pleased the church would be to have them return on a regular basis. Rainer covers some of the basics of a local church, and some of the reasons why the local church is so important. I don't disagree with any of the things he includes, but because it definitely comes with his denominational bias, the book may not be appropriate for every church. If it had been appropriate for churches of most denominations, I would have rated it higher
September 1, 2018
Debated whether to give this 3 or 4 stars. I appreciate what Rainer is going for here: a simple, easy-to-read book that churches can give to visitors to express their appreciation to them and give them more information about the church. He writes with a casual tone and covers a lot of ground. This is good. Unfortunately, I'm not totally sold on it for a couple reasons, most notably that it seems a bit long to expect a guest to sit down and read it.
December 8, 2019
Thom Rainer has been writing books like this one for years. They are practical and thoughtful, and they are written as a coach seeks to help his players understand the nature of the game. Rainer steps church leaders outside of their ministry tunnel vision and helps them see their church from the eyes of a visitor. This book is short and to the point. Most people could read it in an afternoon. You won't agree with everything he has to say, but he will make you think.
March 27, 2018
A very helpful little book. Yes, he repeats the phrase, “We want you here” a couple dozen times or so. But, he wants to make it exceedingly, abundantly clear: 1) We are grateful you visited our church; and 2) WE WANT YOU HERE!
Check out the companion kit as well. Lots of great resources for churches to use in welcoming and following up with new guests.
Check out the companion kit as well. Lots of great resources for churches to use in welcoming and following up with new guests.
January 16, 2021
This book for me has two different reviews. First, if this book were given to me as a new person to a church I probably wouldn't go back. It's too "needy". The words "we need you" or "we want you" is repeated way too many times. If it wasn't for the fact it was only 44 pages I probably wouldn't have finished it. That leTs me to the second part of the review. The content. I believe it you left out the many times of the pieces in my first part of the review are left out you have a perfect book to give to someone who has visited the church more then once. This process and the stories to explain them was well written. I would recommend this book with the filter of look at the content not the needy part of it.
July 4, 2021
This is a nice little book that our new church gave us to welcome us to the church and to encourage us to make contact with other people in the church and to get involved in the mission of the church. It clearly informs prospective and/or new church members that this church is not perfect, but that it is committed to serving all people because of the love of Jesus.
August 28, 2023
This little book is a decent potential resource for churches to give to first time visitors. It’s very direct, perhaps more forthright than some churches would prefer, and it is a bit repetitive for being so brief. Nevertheless, it clarifies that any given church will inevitably be imperfect and it outlines the gospel succinctly.
June 10, 2025
Useful for what it is -- a giftable little book for visitors to church. I will probably buy a stack of these to include in our visitor packets at church. It communicates the Gospel and sets the visitor's expectations, so that they'll not be thinking the church's members to be perfected saints nor total hypocrites.
January 31, 2020
I really enjoy the way Rainer writes and tells stories. I reviewed this to see if we wanted to put them in visitor bags at our church. I think he could have said everything in just three chapters and wouldn’t have lost anything.
December 29, 2020
This is a very short book that was written to give to guests that come to Thom Rainers church. It’s not necessarily fascinating to read for content, but it’s awesome to see inside the mind of this Pastor and see how and what he wants to communicate to guests above all else. Really interesting in that regard.
November 13, 2022
Very clear and precise of what a church really is and why we go to church.
Loved the book and will be sharing with others.
I plan on suggesting that this book be included in our welcome bags.
Loved the book and will be sharing with others.
I plan on suggesting that this book be included in our welcome bags.
July 17, 2024
It's a good start. How do we follow up with visitors?
It bites off more than it can chew for 68 pages. I'm not sure this is for most audiences that is "intended for," but I'm sure many who visit churches could appreciate it. A typo on page 13 threw me for a loop.
It bites off more than it can chew for 68 pages. I'm not sure this is for most audiences that is "intended for," but I'm sure many who visit churches could appreciate it. A typo on page 13 threw me for a loop.
September 6, 2018
Very repetitive, but otherwise good read
October 13, 2018
Another helpful effort by Thom Rainer that helps a faith group examine how welcoming and friendly they really are.
July 7, 2019
Wouldn’t it be easier to stick out a hand and say hello?
August 7, 2019
Good premise. Not sure how many would read a book this long as a visitor, and I'm always a little leery of giving out a book like this to represent my own congregation, though it wasn't bad.
August 9, 2019
Another great Raines book
From I Am A Church Member to this I am finally on board again with Lifeway!!! Way to go Tom!!
From I Am A Church Member to this I am finally on board again with Lifeway!!! Way to go Tom!!
November 24, 2019
Good words of encouragement for church members and how they can make newcomers welcome.
January 23, 2020
Short book designed to give to church visitors. Very slim, but good for what is intended.
January 27, 2020
Loved book great insights into being a welcoming church.
October 24, 2021
This is an excellent resource to give to guests to your church! It’s a short greeting to visitors along with genuine reasons that WE want you HERE (at our church)! 😊
June 6, 2022
Great short read to add to a church's visitors packet. Lots of short personal stories that help the reader connect with the ideas and thoughts throughout the book.
June 23, 2023
Very insightful to what we should and shouldn't do when we have visitors.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews