Hospitality

Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it.
- Hebrews 13:2

The God revealed in Jesus' life and teaching welcomes sinners extravagantly and extends hospitality to strangers and people on the margins. We are all called to extend God's gracious welcome to others.

Parish hospitality in a post-Christian world
Would someone of little or no church background feel welcome in your church? Why or why not? Drawing on the Rev. Dr. Gary Nicolosi's 12 Steps for Church Growth in a post-Christian world, and using examples from their own parish experiences, Lisa Chisholm-Smith and Gregor Sneddon helped people become intentional in their newcomer ministry, and consider whether targeted advertising and marketing should be a priority for communities of faith in a visually oriented and media savvy age. Here are the seminar hand-outs.

• Gary Nicolosi's 12 Steps to Church Growth (pdf)
• Parish Hospitality Selected Bibliography (pdf)
• St. Luke's worship booklet (pdf)