Invite Welcome Connect 101
Every Sunday, Jesus throws a party at church. He is the host, we’re all guests. But at St. Tim’s, we are guests who have already experienced Jesus’ welcome. Now we are to share it with others. Invite Welcome Connect is how we can do that
Invite (aka Evangelism)
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age. Matthew 28:19-20
Invitation is not only about inviting people into a relationship with you and others in your congregation, but rather it is about inviting them into a relationship with God through Jesus. People need a language with which to talk about their faith. We need to help them “spell Episcopalian with the alphabet of their own soul.” –Roy Oswald, Speed B. Leas. The Inviting Church (Alban Institute, 1987)
Welcome (aka Hospitality)
Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. Romans 15:7
Welcoming the stranger is welcoming Jesus. Jesus paid attention to what was going on around him and especially to those people he encountered on a daily basis. He modeled for us a new way of seeing the other - the way of love, compassion, and forgiveness. Hospitality is not to change people, but to offer them space where change can take place....We cannot force anyone to such a personal and intimate change of heart, but we can offer the space where such a change can take place. –Henri Nouwen
Connect (aka Belonging)
For as in one body we have many members, and all the members do not have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them. Romans 12:4-6
Connection is giving meaning to membership and discovering the gifts of the people.
Connection helps the newcomer answer these questions: Where do I fit in? Can I make friends in this church? Is there room for me relationally? Does this church need me? Can I find a place to belong and serve? Am I safe here?
Q: What will IWC do for St. Tim’s?
A: The testimonial below explains.
A Texas native and lifelong Episcopalian who was very active in her church and diocesan ministries made the difficult decision to move across the country for a job promotion. So what did this smart, professional, early-50s woman do right after she moved into her new home? She began visiting all the Episcopal churches in her area. As she lamented to her friend, Mary Foster Parmer, author of Invite Welcome Connect: Stories and Tools to Transform Your Church, “In every single church I’ve attended, it’s as it they don’t even see me. No one sees me!” She had signed guest registers and written her name on welcome cards for newcomers. The only follow-up she received was a form letter with a pledge card. But she kept trying. She finally found a church home a good distance from where she lived, and later wrote of her experience:
“While chatting with a greeter, I was invited by him to the upcoming newcomer dinner simply because ‘It’s important to meet people in a new city so you won’t be lost.’ Relationship versus membership. During that dinner the vicar used the same metaphor in describing what every individual should expect in his or her parish life— a relationship.
One week later, a six-year-old helped me write my name tag. Advent found me still visiting. During the peace, as they did with each other, I was also greeted by name. At Christmas, deeply grateful for God’s comfort and care during my journey, I dropped a check in the plate. When the church sent a letter blessing my giving for its use in helping the Body of Christ, they tugged at my heart because they told me what was important to theirs…
With that blessing I transferred my membership and started a new relationship. How many forms? Just the sign-in at the newcomer dinner. After all, they already knew me.”
We can do this!
Learn More: Invite Welcome Connect
Contact: Leslie Corey, Agnes Bolwell, Susan Moenkhaus
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age. Matthew 28:19-20
Invitation is not only about inviting people into a relationship with you and others in your congregation, but rather it is about inviting them into a relationship with God through Jesus. People need a language with which to talk about their faith. We need to help them “spell Episcopalian with the alphabet of their own soul.” –Roy Oswald, Speed B. Leas. The Inviting Church (Alban Institute, 1987)
Welcome (aka Hospitality)
Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. Romans 15:7
Welcoming the stranger is welcoming Jesus. Jesus paid attention to what was going on around him and especially to those people he encountered on a daily basis. He modeled for us a new way of seeing the other - the way of love, compassion, and forgiveness. Hospitality is not to change people, but to offer them space where change can take place....We cannot force anyone to such a personal and intimate change of heart, but we can offer the space where such a change can take place. –Henri Nouwen
Connect (aka Belonging)
For as in one body we have many members, and all the members do not have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them. Romans 12:4-6
Connection is giving meaning to membership and discovering the gifts of the people.
Connection helps the newcomer answer these questions: Where do I fit in? Can I make friends in this church? Is there room for me relationally? Does this church need me? Can I find a place to belong and serve? Am I safe here?
Q: What will IWC do for St. Tim’s?
A: The testimonial below explains.
A Texas native and lifelong Episcopalian who was very active in her church and diocesan ministries made the difficult decision to move across the country for a job promotion. So what did this smart, professional, early-50s woman do right after she moved into her new home? She began visiting all the Episcopal churches in her area. As she lamented to her friend, Mary Foster Parmer, author of Invite Welcome Connect: Stories and Tools to Transform Your Church, “In every single church I’ve attended, it’s as it they don’t even see me. No one sees me!” She had signed guest registers and written her name on welcome cards for newcomers. The only follow-up she received was a form letter with a pledge card. But she kept trying. She finally found a church home a good distance from where she lived, and later wrote of her experience:
“While chatting with a greeter, I was invited by him to the upcoming newcomer dinner simply because ‘It’s important to meet people in a new city so you won’t be lost.’ Relationship versus membership. During that dinner the vicar used the same metaphor in describing what every individual should expect in his or her parish life— a relationship.
One week later, a six-year-old helped me write my name tag. Advent found me still visiting. During the peace, as they did with each other, I was also greeted by name. At Christmas, deeply grateful for God’s comfort and care during my journey, I dropped a check in the plate. When the church sent a letter blessing my giving for its use in helping the Body of Christ, they tugged at my heart because they told me what was important to theirs…
With that blessing I transferred my membership and started a new relationship. How many forms? Just the sign-in at the newcomer dinner. After all, they already knew me.”
We can do this!
Learn More: Invite Welcome Connect
Contact: Leslie Corey, Agnes Bolwell, Susan Moenkhaus