Welcome: Loving Your Church by Making Space for Everyone

by Jen Oshman

As we have been welcomed by Jesus, Christians are called to welcome others. But what does this look like in practice? Walking into church can be intimidating, whether for the first time or after a period of absence, whether you are a non-believer or a believer. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if your church was a place where everyone received a warm welcome? A place where newcomers can quickly feel at home and where non-believers receive the welcome of God’s people alongside the welcome of Jesus? This warm, practical book by Jen Oshman explores what the Bible says to help readers discover how to make space for others, however different they are to them, in their church and in their lives. She also gives practical advice, drawing on good practice from churches around the world in a range of situations. In a world of division, individualism, and isolation, readers will see that their church can witness to Christ by being a place of welcome, community, and connection. Chapters include how Jesus welcomes us, the impact of welcoming in the early church, the effect of being siblings in Christ, how to welcome beyond Sunday, helpful systems and strategies, how our joy in Christ causes us to be outward-looking, and mirroring the glorious vision set out in Revelation. Whether you’re a pastor looking to encourage your congregation to welcome others or a church member wanting to see unbelievers come to faith and help everyone feel part of the family, this book is for you.

Genres: Christian, Church, Christian Living

176 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2023

Reviews

[Mark E. Turner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Below are some takeaways I've written for myself and my church. My thoughts might be helpful to you. Please excuse any typos or formatting errors; this was never meant to be a academic paper.

Application Report
Welcome by Jen Oshman
1-21-25
CBCL Shepherd’s Fellowship

Chapter One- How Jesus Welcomes Us
Forsake our Status (pg.23-24). Don’t think of ourselves as a Holy Huddle, but follow Jesus’s example of going out of our way to welcome newcomers rather than spending time with those we know.
Become a Servant (pg.24-25). Do we come to church to serve or be served?
Heart Posture of Humility (pg.26-27). Casting off anything that might be a hindrance in welcoming others.

Chapter Two- The Radical Welcome of the Early Church
Specifically, welcome those of other groups (pg.35-39;43). How do we plan to welcome those of different social classes? How do we plan to welcome men and women? Families? Widows? Those of a different race?
Visit the Census Website to see our local demographic (pg.43). Do we go out of our way to find and welcome these people?
Speak to someone different this Sunday (pg.44). Do we go out of our way to meet someone we haven’t or greet someone we don’t know well?
Pray for Gospel Unity in the local church (pg.44). Pray that others see that the gospel holds us together. Pray the gospel would unite us.

Chapter Three- This Church Opens Wide Her Doors
Welcome Liturgy(pg.45). The idea of having a welcoming aspect be a part of our liturgy.
Remember, the Church is a Hospital (pg.48-49;57). Do we see those coming into our doors as sick and needing the gospel the same as we do?
Neighborhood walks where we pray for our neighbors (pg.52). We remember that we have neighbors and pray for the opportunity to welcome them.
Block Parties(pg.52). Small or large gatherings at our homes where we seek to minister to our neighbors with the gospel.
Ask non-believing friends about the Church or Christians (pg.57). If there’s any hindrance or sin we can remove to reach people with the gospel through welcoming, the best way to know is if they tell us.
Being Real (pg.57). Do we act like we have it all together, or is there an authenticity to our character and church?
Make a List (pg.57-58). Make a list of those you can pray for and reach out to with the gospel.

Chapter Four- Welcome to the Family
Viewing the church as a family(pg.60-73). Are we building a healthy family that can take on new family members? Do we intimately know each other in the local church and invite others to join? Is the church full of brothers and sisters or 3rd cousins?
Practing Meaningful Membership(pg.64-72). How can we be truly connected in the church if not through membership?

Chapter Five- Welcoming Way Beyond Sunday
Have a Missionary Mindset(pg.77-81). Do we see ourselves on a mission for God, doing whatever it takes to reach the lost?
Love the Stranger(pg.78). Do we go out of the way to talk to the stranger, or does fear sideline us?
Pray Often and Scheduled(pg.81;89). Wage spiritual war against Satan through prayer. Plead for others to know God. Put times to pray in the calendar on your phone; use alarms if you have to.
Know the People you Minister to(pg.79-81). What do they struggle with? What do they like or dislike? What do they value?
Identify your Fears(pg.88). Know what you’re afraid of when trying to share the gospel with others.
Know How and Where You Will Go(pg.89). Knowing your method and where you’re going to share both your life and the gospel with individuals. Gym, Grocery Store, Work, etc.

Chapter Six- Systems and Strategies for Sunday and Every Day
Personal Invite(pg.96). Personally invite a person to church with you. Offering to give them a ride.
Digital Front Door(pg.97). What does our website look like? Our Youtube Page? Social Media?
Seeing an alone Person at Church as an Emergency(pg.104). Do we purposely look for those who are sitting alone at church?
Sit with New People(pg.104). Do we mix up who we sit with each week? Do we know the people we sit by now?
What’s our Role(pg.104). What role does each member of the church play in welcoming? Does each person play a role?
Make Connections(pg.100). When we meet someone new, do we get contact information? If we get contact information, do we reach out?

Chapter Seven- Outward and Onward
Does the Church Value Change(pg.112). Is our church against the change that God is doing? Wishing for the good ole days.
Budget(pg.112). Does our spending reflect we value hospitality?
Calendar(pg.112). Does our calendar reflect we value hospitality?
Outsiders(pg.112). Do we see those outside of our church as enemies to be kept away or those lost who need the gospel?
Plan for Success(pg.117-118). If you feel like you or the church falls short in hospitality, plan ways to grow in it. Serve at a soup kitchen, invite neighbors over, have an open house, have an event at the church, etc.

Additional Personal Thoughts/Reflections
It might be beneficial to start small groups with the goal of multiplying them. That would give group members an easy way to be hospitable.
Seeing what the Bible says about hospitality. This could be helpful either from the pulpit or small group studies.
Asking the members to pray for the lost. Corporate prayer meetings with the end goal of greater hearts toward outreach.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book really useful for getting back to basics and not trying to reinvent the wheel. It’s fellowship and love, not rocket science and Jen Oshman has a way of reminding you of that with practical example that you can try in your own church. Read this with some friends from church and had a good discussion around it for ensuring we are a welcoming church. Hope it works.

[Taliah Kendrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

“When we make space for everyone and commit deeply to one another, we thrive.”

What a great read on how we can be welcoming both in our churches and in the world. Loved the action steps at the end of each chapter!

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book to refer back to often as we work together to welcome others and make space for everyone.

[J.T. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic little book on the call to welcome well in the local church!

[Lia Ross Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

What does it mean to be “welcoming?”

Do you greet the visitor at church on Sunday? Are you cultivating relationships outside of formal activities in your church?

What about your witness to nonbelievers?

This book unpacks all of that and so much more.

I never forget visiting a church in college and after just visiting one Sunday, one of the elders remembered my name and invited my husband (then boyfriend) and I over for dinner. We ended up joining that church after years of searching for one in undergrad.

It meant so much to me because I had completely opposite experiences before after attending churches for months.

Jen Oshman lays out how those simple gestures can have lasting kingdom impact.

These gestures help us not just call each other family in Christ but we start to live that out deeply in a non surface level way.

I loved how practical this book was. Each chapter has “Action Steps” at the end on how to put into practice the truths about being welcoming in the chapter.

Welcome is part of the Love Your Church series. It has discussion questions + a guide in the back and would be great for a community group type setting.

[Renee Masterson Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was left in tears at the end of the introduction. “As he (Jesus) welcomed you, so he will empower you to welcome others” (17). —But before you write this off as being an emotive book without substance, please keep reading. My reaction is probably in part because of the crossroads I am at in my faith and uncomfortable situations I find myself, but it is also a testament to Jen’s ability to write with biblical encouragement and incessantly point others to the hope and grace of the gospel.

This book slapped me square in the heart with Jesus’ kindness and movement toward me when I was yet his enemy. “It’s only because of the kindness and compassion of our Lord that we’ve been welcomed into his family” (22). So really what is it to me to extend the same gracious welcome both in my heart and in my hands to the difficult church member, the different neighbor, and the spiritually dead stranger!?

A unique perspective that Jen gives in this book is a vantage point from other cultures and local churches around the world. She acknowledges the real blindspots and valid stereotypes Christians tend to have which makes extending a genuine welcome to the “outsider” all the more difficult. She briefs on the theology of church membership or the giving yourself completely to a local congregation. Jen writes, “…we churchgoers are too often better known for our judgement, condemnation, and seclusion than we are for our welcome. But faithful Christians, who are compelled by Christ’s love, know /they themselves/ are weary and need rest, and that /they themselves/ sin and need a Savior” (56).

Make no mistake, Jen in no way advises compromising truth or watering down the gospel at the expense of welcoming strangers. It’s just the opposite! This book will remind you that those who truly understand Truth will stop at nothing to extend the a warm welcome for the sake of Christ.

One of the reasons I love reading (and listening to) Jen Oshman is that she writes with humility and passion. Time and again the reader is left with gospel encouragement and gospel motivation for welcoming people from all walks of life. Jen has a very unique way of charging the reader to hope in Christ and walk in holiness. There is an exhortation on nearly every page—a short sentence or two that leaves you with real conviction to actually walk in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.

And because of this, I was yet again moved to tears reading the last sentence of the book. “Brothers and sisters, let’s do all we can—as we trust and hope in God alone—to welcome others in” (122).

*Each chapter has action steps to help you put your faith into motion and enable you to tangibly extend a welcoming heart and hand to your neighbors.
*Small group discussion questions for each chapter are located in the back of the book.
*Small group resource videos and worksheets are available for free online.

[Elise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Writing style: 🌟🌟🌟
Engagement: 🌟🌟🌟
Content: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Purpose: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Value: 🌟🌟🌟🌟

Overall: 3.6/5

[Josh Olds · Rating 1 out of 5]

The Love Your Church series is a new series from The Good Book Company and Acts 29 focusing on creating flourishing local church congregations. The Acts 29 network is currently headed by Matt Chandler, but has its roots with Mark Driscoll and the Mars Hill complex of churches. Acts 29 is Reformed Calvinistic, conservative evangelical, and been (rightfully, in my opinion) accused of toxic and authoritarian leadership. Thus, any material coming from or endorsed by Acts 29 has to be seen through that lens. The theological background and perspective I can respect, even if I do not agree. The leadership abuses I cannot respect, no matter their theological background.

Within the three Love Your Church books (Welcome by Jen Oshman, Gather by Tony Merida, and Belong by Barnabas Piper), there is much objectionable material. But then again, there simply isn’t that much material. The books are bland and superficial. They are generic and perfunctory. They are well-designed, well-packaged, and read like something you’d encounter during a membership class at an Acts 29 church.

In Welcome, Jen Oshman writes about “loving your church by making space for everyone.” The book’s highlight is how it talks about the Gospels message being a radical welcome to individuals of all ethnicities and class backgrounds, men or women. However, the book lacks specifics of what this means and gives the overall impression that the welcoming is an invitation to assimilation rather than the development of multicultural worship.

Belong, written by Barnabas Piper, is about “loving your church by reflecting Christ to one another.” Of the three books, I found this one most compelling because of Piper’s personal story of being the child of a prominent pastor (his dad is John Piper), yet feeling disconnected from church until finding a home as an adult at Immanuel Church in Nashville. The book is about finding and developing community, but the advice is both generic and leading. Action questions throughout the texts read “Do you have a checklist for what you’re looking for in a church? Does it reflect ‘healthy church culture.’” He dismisses being hurt by a church as “rare” and says that healing can only be found in a different church. The book gives stock, generic advice that is good superficially but could be toxic contextually.

Gather, the final Love Your Church book is written by Tony Merida. Tony is a VP with Acts 29 and the author of a book called Love Your Church. His focus in on “loving your church as you celebrate Christ together,” which appears to be all about the importance of corporate worship—but not just corporate worship, in-person on-Sunday church service. Merida obliquely criticizes churches that did not meet in-person during the COVID pandemic, stating that the early church didn’t allow persecution to keep them from meeting. Merida also pinpoints the sermon as the critical point of the Sunday gathering, elevating himself and his role in the service. Look, I’m a pastor and I love to preach, but I think the centrality of everyone focusing on one person as the overwhelming part of the time commitment to gathering is what has led to pastor-centered, rather than Christ-centered churches. Again, like the other books, there’s nothing superficially objectionable in the text—it’s the context that matters. It’s limp and lifeless advice that will appeal to people already following that advice and nobody else.

In the end, the Love Your Church series of books has all the passion of having been written by ChatGPT with a superficial banality that seems more about restoring the system of consumeristic evangelicalism than it does actually creating spiritually-flourishing individuals. Their advice isn’t always bad, but generically good advice stuck into rigid systems can become bad or limiting. The brevity of the books means that the authors do no arguing of their position, they simply assert it. They give no evidence that their position leads to flourishing, they just assume it. They engage with no other models of church, they just dismiss them. All of that gets wrapped within unengaging, uninteresting, and uncompelling writing. It’s unfortunately disappointing.

[Krystal Chico · Rating 4 out of 5]

Welcome is my first book by the wonderful Jen Oshman, someone I have admired for some time, and I look forward to reading more books from her in the future! This book is part of the Love Your Church series by the Good Book Company and the Acts 29 Network. It specifically focuses on loving the church and others by making space for everyone and intentionally creating a welcoming environment.

First, I absolutely adored Oshman’s intentional focus on incorporating Scripture into her writing. Scripture forms the primary foundation of the concepts shared in this book, which is such a beautiful reminder that any wisdom we have is not achieved on our own, but entirely God’s will and doing. Chapter 2 was one of my favorite chapters, as there is a large focus on the Early Church of Acts. It was such a sweet reminder of how the Lord works through His people for His glory. It is also a reminder that Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever (See Hebrews 13:8). He has been working through the church since then and will continue to do so today. It revived such a joy and love in my heart for the church and for God’s design for the church.

Secondly, I loved that Oshman shared practical examples of some of the book’s concepts in action. While the Scriptural foundation served as the primary basis of this book, the practical examples provided a supplementary resource of the book’s concepts in action today. Oshman draws from her experience as a missionary in Japan and the Czech Republic, her family’s experience serving at a church plant in Denver, and the testimonial examples of fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. All the examples felt timely to the concepts being taught and were all clear testimonies of God’s faithfulness.

Thirdly, the book is short. It’s only 134 pages. But, do not let the book’s length fool you! It is packed with wisdom and Scriptural truths that would benefit any believer. I am thankful for how the Lord used Oshman’s talent for writing to bless the readers with an important and edifying teaching on the concept of welcoming others. Additionally, this book has a section for Small Group Discussion as well as access to a free small group kit. While I read this book individually, I can see the benefit of reading this book in a small group setting or as a church community.

Fourthly, I loved that this book focuses on both inward and outward community. As believers, it can be easy to only focus on our internal church and how to make our members feel at home, often at the expense of the community around us. For others, it can be easy to focus on the outward community and not focus enough on creating intentional community for the church. This book approaches the concept of welcoming both communities in a balanced way. Oshman reminds us of the importance of creating intentional community amongst church members. But, she also reminds us of the importance of making new members feel welcome and the importance of meeting the needs of the communities we are placed in today. In order for a church to be welcoming, it needs to consider all people coming into the church on a Sunday and the people yet to walk through their doors.

Lastly, I appreciated the absolute humility with which Oshman approached the book. She consistently reminds her audience that none of this is possible without the Lord. While effort and systems are important, none are more important than relying on the Lord. As a church, we need to be surrendered to Him. May we seek His glory, not our own! In the conclusion of the book, Oshman says, “God calls me to be faithful, but it is He who must be fruitful.” What a sweet reminder of what our role is and what God’s role is! Every time I recall this quote, it warms my heart and lifts a load off my shoulders. It is a reminder that we are called to be faithful to God’s call to make disciples and be ambassadors for Christ on earth. But, ultimately, it is God alone who saves. One of the last sentences of the book is a sobering reminder of the above, “We are not God. But let us long to be and pray to be church members who represent him well.” Amen!

Overall, this was such a lovely and humbling read. I can see myself returning to and referencing this book time and time again. I left compelled to welcome others well and equipped to do so. Thankful for this series. Looking forward to reading the rest!

[Panda Incognito · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars, rounded down.

Throughout this book, Jen Oshman shares biblical teaching and practical encouragement for how Christians can make their churches more welcoming to outsiders. She shares her personal story of coming to know Christ when a teammate invited her and her newly single mother to attend church with them, and she expresses hope and enthusiasm for how the church can welcome and help hurting people. She shares a general vision for why the church should be welcoming, and includes some practical tips for how churches and individual members can reduce barriers for outsiders and reach out to their communities. Oshman shares examples from American churches and congregations in other cultures, showing how churches can understand and adapt to their environment.

Welcome: Loving Your Church by Making Space for Everyone is part of the new Love Your Church series. Each book is by a different author and covers a core concept about investing in the local church. They are fairly basic in scope, and are best for Christians who have not thought deeply before about the role of the local church or their importance to its mission. People who have already studied and thought about the church a great deal won't find anything new here, although they may find the books encouraging. This series is very basic, and doesn't delve into more complicated issues facing the church today. The books are also primarily relevant for people in Reformed evangelical congregations, and do not include examples of other ways of doing church that would give this series a broader scope.

Overall, this book has a positive vision and some good advice, but I wish that Oshman had shared ideas for how churches can become welcoming to marginalized communities who may require specific accommodations and will not necessarily fit in with a church's status quo. The brevity of the book prevents Oshman from going into detail about various special groups, but this book's prevailing focus is on welcoming people to get them in the doors and integrated into church life, rather than changing things about your church to make it a truly inclusive place for people with different backgrounds and unique needs, who may struggle to find a church where they truly belong. I think this should have gone deeper, but many people will find this helpful as a starting point.

I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Addie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful follow up to “The Gospel Comes With A House Key” by Rosaria Butterfield. This book talks about how we can welcome people into our church! Highly practical, quick, and easy read. My favorite points were 1) that we have been so sweetly and warmly welcomed by Christ, and so we should be welcoming others into our lives and 2) that we should be intentional and active in welcoming new people in each and every service. The last chapter talked about a church with an outward focus that sought to raise up leaders from within their congregation and plant other churches, and how the Lord continually back-filled them after they sent out. It reminded me so joyfully of Redeemer’s heart for that as well! Overall it’s made me so thankful to be a part of a church that seeks to welcome in and reach out, and encouraged to more intentionally play a role in welcoming others myself.


“Visiting a new church requires courage. And how much more courage for those who are not yet followers of Christ!”

“Jesus displayed His heart of welcome when He set out on a rescue mission 2,000 years ago. What a distance Jesus traveled, what an incomprehensible divide He crossed in pursuit of you and me…. We are Christians through no effort of our own; it’s only because of the kindness and compassion of our Lord that we’ve been welcomed into His family.”

“An alone person in our gatherings is an emergency… Friends can wait for our attention on a Sunday. Better still, they can mobilize in mission too. Spurring each other on to welcome others in Christ’s name won’t weaken our friendships, it will deepen them.”

[Pauline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jen Oshman was the speaker at our Women’s Christmas Gathering at our church in December. I bought a couple of her books. This short book would be good to study in a small group or church class, as well as read individually as I did.

To me, it was simple and basic, because as a (now-retired) pastor’s wife this is how we lived our lives—open hearts, open home. It confirmed that the church we are now in is on the right course but showed areas where we can grow. This may be a new concept to you—welcoming others at church and in your home. You will be encouraged and challenged in this little book.

It’s always good to evaluate yourself and your church. God is the one who gives the increase and Grace, but we are called to be faithful and welcoming.

[Deb Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short, but practical book on the importance of welcoming others. "Do we view our church gatherings as a place to receive or as a place to give?" Each chapter concludes with action steps to consider. Do we make space in our lives to welcome others, whether at our church or in our community?

"...leaving the comfort of their long-held and deep friendships, to ensure that every stranger receives a warm welcome."

"we are certainly called to put to death all the pride and selfishness that lurks in our hearts."

"A welcoming church is first a work of the Holy Spirit."

"...we are dependent on the Holy Spirit to create in us a desire to make space for others."

[Andrew Krom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oshman shows in her book that the church needs to welcome newcomers because God has welcomed us first. She shows how this works out in the life of the church and in personal day-to-day rhythms. This leads her to show in the final chapter that the healthiest churches seek to continue to go "outward and onward" by planting more churches.

I was hoping this book would give more practical tips on how to be a better greeter on Sunday. She had one chapter that touched on this, but her book was more of a general book on how to live in a way that is consistent with the welcoming mindset we should have as followers of Jesus.

[Nikki Powers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Following Jesus means being intentional like He was, rather than just doing my own thing, being comfortable, and just thinking my own thoughts.

Jen's book is good if you want to break self-centered patterns and need inspiration or if you are already trying and want to see where you could grow or where you are doing well.

I especially liked her 3 steps:
know
pray
go

If we love our churches and want to see them thriving in ways that really matter, this book is a good one to listen to periodically.

[Ji Hyun · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Commit to seeing an alone person as an emergency."

This book is a great reminder to show radical hospitality in the church to new people or an alone person and in everyday lives!

"God calls me to be faithful but it is he who must be fruitful."

We want to be welcoming because "our God 'did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many' (matt 20;28)." Praise God for what He has done!

[Matt Gurtler · Rating 4 out of 5]

A warm, encouraging book on the welcome the church should give, full of practical advice, relatable anecdotes, and biblical wisdom. Though a few moments made me cringe a little, I found this short book very readable and applicable in everyday church life. Oshman writes from experience and a clear love for the church, which comes across in the writing, and promotes a similar love in her readers. I think if every Christian were to read this it would lead to good things for the church as a whole.

[Paul Kingery · Rating 5 out of 5]

a must-read for 2023!

Our church is preaching through the Love Your Church series and I loved this one from Jen. Immensely helpful, practical, and deep! A blessing for the local church!

[Zach Barnhart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed reading this important and encouraging book about a critical topic. Oshman provides the church, and especially its leaders, with a clear, simple, and practical resource for welcoming people into the local church. Churches should strive to be putting this book into practice!

[Chad Stuart · Rating 5 out of 5]

A nice quick plane trip read.

Nothing earth shattering, but a much needed reminder of the role of the church and Christians in this world.

Mrs. Oshman writes with beautiful conviction.

[Kelloggs101 · Rating 3 out of 5]

USA slanted (fair enough!).

[Lena · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good, short listen, and a helpful reminder to have a missional outlook within our own local churches.

[Leah Van Es · Rating 5 out of 5]

Want to grow in a heart of welcome for people to hear and experience the gospel through the church and community? Read this book!

[Lt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and to the point and a good challenge to all believers

[Jacob Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice primer with some helpful application.

[Chris Frakes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short, simple, but a very tangible and helpful book.

[Elise Gilmore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of great ideas and thoughts on how to welcome others into your church as a church body and individually.

[Alexa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think it was 150 pages too short. I wish she had gotten the opportunity to examine several concepts more fully.

[Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can our churches do to be more welcoming? In Welcome, Jen Oshman shares about loving your church by making space for everyone.

This book is a part of the “Love Your Church” series by The Good Book Company and Acts 29. After a foreword by Tim Challies, Oshman opens by giving a theology of welcoming — specifically showing how Jesus welcomes us. It is moving and compelling, challenging and convicting.


The Church is a Hospital

I was most moved in Chapter 3, where Oshman shares a Welcome Liturgy used at her church. I was interested to see her speak on how the church is a hospital, and how hospitals are rooted in hospitality. She states that extending hospitality is a whole-church endeavor, not just for the “welcome team.” As a leader at my church, I was especially challenged to ask myself whether I count myself among the sick and the sinners that Jesus came for.

The book offers practical tips throughout to help you become a better welcomer. Chapter 6 gets specific with action steps, including (1) committing to seeing an alone person on Sunday as an emergency, (2) trying to regularly sit with new persons in the pews on Sunday morning, and (3) thinking about a formal role you could play in welcoming people to your church.


Extend the Love of Jesus Christ

After I read this book, I was more keenly aware of whether or not my actions and attitudes were welcoming. I was more sensitive on a particular Sunday, noticing the many opportunities that God gave me to extend his welcoming hand to others. I believe this book can do the same for those who read it and take it to heart.

This is an inspiring book that will cause you to think differently about the welcome ministry at your church. It will give spiritual formation to your own personal evangelism and family mission. It will soften your soul to seek the good of others, and to extend the love of Jesus Christ with arms open wide.


I received a media copy of Welcome and this is my honest review.