Welcome

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.

1. Opening Credits
2. Dedication
3. Foreword
4. Introduction
5. Chapter 1: How Jesus Welcome Us
6. Chapter 2: The Radical Welcome of the Early Church
7. Chapter 3: This Church Open Wide Her Doors
8. Chapter 4: Welcome to the Family
9. Chapter 5: Welcoming Way Beyond Sunday
10. Chapter 6: Systems and Strategies for Sunday and Every Day
11. Chapter 7:: Outward and Onward
12. Conclusion
13. Closing Credits