Welcoming Church Update
Back in April we had Jon Reed come to Southwest and help us understand what it means to be a welcoming church. Since then we have built a Welcome Team, increased the number of New Bunch Brunches and we are more aware of those who are visiting Southwest.
Since April, we have 5 people in our First Time Visitors list, which sounds bad, but is actually good because it means most people have gone on to be 2nd and 3rd time visitors! Also since April, we have 22 people in the 3+ Visitors category, 15 people are Attendees (they attend regularly and are deciding on next steps), and 9 people have placed membership with us, committing to glorifying God, loving others and making more disciples.
We’ve had people come to Southwest because they checked out our website, several were invited by a family member, and others because they were going through a difficult life event.
In coming weeks and months you will see a few more outdoor signs and design updates to our foyer areas and indoor signage.
But more importantly is the reason why we are doing this. Leviticus 19:33-34 says, "When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them. The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the LORD your God." Hebrews 13:1 also tells us, “Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.”
Let’s continue to grow in hospitality with our guests, and make them feel like part of our family. Here are some things you can do to help us be a welcoming church:
1. Invite your friends, family and neighbors.
2. Smile at everyone and introduce yourself to people that you don’t know.
3. Pray for our guests and our Welcome Team.
4. Go outside your comfort zone and make a new friend! Bryan challenged us all last week to invite a few people to be in a small group if you are not already a part of one. This is a great way to meet new members, and make them feel a part of Southwest.
Thank you for your hospitality!
Franklin
