Seven hints how to make newcomers feel welcome in church
The Danish pastor greets people at the door. Photo AFP, Claus Bech
Christian Life
No sensible person would call me shy. I am always first to volunteer to speak publicly. And yet, I was terrified to enter the church.
I was driven there by a pull in my heart. But as a pagan witch who did not wish to know Him, I had spent the last months battling that very pull. Stepping inside a church had previously made me ill, as if struck by a physical barrier; yet I now felt called. I was on vacation in England, and no one would know if I visited. Right?
The next day, I stood before the doors of another church, struck with primordial fear and shame. The budding realisation that Jesus Christ conquered death for us was mortifying. I wished to hide, because facing my sins was daunting. Thirteen years in the occult had left its mark. My teenage years and my adult life until that moment had been spent in the pursuit of magical knowledge. At the time, I even carried an ambition to monetise my considerable skills at divination.
With my past, with my present it seemed impossible that I should be welcome.
So, I almost stepped away.
Then he came; an older man with a smile who asked me to come inside. He opened the door for me. He might not remember helping a lost Swede over the threshold, but it remains one of the most decisive moments of my life.
I flew home, searched and found an Orthodox congregation in Göteborg. The Divine Liturgy caught my heart, profound and beautiful in its reluctance to bend to the whims of time. From my place in the back, I sang and knew that I wanted to stay there. The call and response of the antiphons, the smell of incense and standing through the service all spoke to me.
Finding community in the church as a convert is beyond meaningful. As Christians, we need each other. After my first visit to the liturgy in Sweden, I was invited to church coffee and attend a study group. I accepted and took my first step into parish life.
Since then, I have thought much about how to welcome newcomers. It all comes down to this: how can I be like the man who opened that church door at my first visit? Here are seven suggestions of things that really mattered to me.
1 Do not denounce Christ or His teachings
This ought to be obvious. But with the high representatives of the Swedish state church seemingly ashamed of its Christianity – this is not obvious. When looking for a congregation, the mere suspicion of such attitudes made me avoid that church altogether. I longed for God, not for more postmodernism.
Stay true.
2 Have an online presence
I found my congregation and its recorded treasure trove of sermons by googling “Orthodox” and “Göteborg.” It must be easy to find where and when you meet. Having a flourishing social media account is great, but an easily googled contact information is key.
Make it easy to find you.
3 Open your door
Were it not for that kind English man opening the church doors and inviting me in, my path to Christ might have been hindered. It was that impactful!
If possible, why not leave the actual door open? Appoint someone to greet newcomers before the service, offer the potential convert a seat and invite them to church coffee or any post-liturgical activities. This not only saves the visitor the need to ask for direction but also welcomes participation. Hiding in the back felt safe, but it was an empty comfort.
Remember to open your door and to invite the newcomer back again.
4 A beginner’s guide to the service
Help! When to stand, sit or sing? This confused me to no end, and I kept looking at everyone else. Did I do it wrong; what was happening? Then I found a stack of pamphlets made by our presbytera (Greek for the priest’s wife) describing the liturgy step by step, including the texts of reoccurring prayers and psalms.
These are in constant rotation and so popular they have torn with use. But still, they helped greatly. But why not share ecclesiastical etiquette online? This could save the attendant the faux pas of showing up in too-revealing clothing or similar mistakes.
Allow any visitor to understand your service by providing them with a written guide.
5 Provide the opportunity to learn
I was only familiar with the children’s Bible, but others arrive with even less prior knowledge. Receiving the invitation to study together was helpful. Why did this matter so much? We built relationships while we learnt. With the infinite wisdom of the church, we can continue to study for life. Bible study, introductory course, book circles or a local pilgrimage –- what can you teach your newcomers and parishioners alike?
Be generous with your knowledge.
6 Building community
A friend and I recently spoke of the joy of finding friends who share faith. Nurturing friendships and building bonds make the daily struggle easier. A tiny example: another friend gently pushed me to attend church when all I wanted was to linger in bed – and it revitalised me. Another time I might have the joy of helping.
Be open to suggestions for informal events to build intercommunal bonds. Why not host a day for families, a board game night, a hike or a picnic? Enjoying food outdoors with your friends sparks gratitude quickly, at least I found it wonderful.
On the other hand, running a community is challenging, building one even more so. Accept help within the parish so one or a few do not have to carry all the burdens alone. Helpful acts of service can be baking, cleaning or keeping the pantry stocked.
Aim for the church to be a family that welcomes newcomers to participate.
7. Pray for guidance
I can only share some tips that helped me, God can do everything. Stay humble, learn and pray for help.
How many of these things does your parish already do? Getting to know the Lord has led my life from a path of sin to one of hope. I wish for others to find that gift and I hope these points can help. Let us light the way for those still stumbling in the dark. Marvel at the power of repentance, even this former witch keeps praying to be cleansed by Him.
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