We welcome all to Good Shepherd. Everyone. Without exception.
“Churches exist for people, including those that are a part of the church, and those that do not have a church home. All guests at Good Shepherd should feel welcome regardless of their background, past, age, social status, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation and more. The goal is to grow the body of Christ as a community and to reach out to the world around us to share God’s love. We are called by Jesus “to love the stranger” and share the Good News.” - Good Shepherd 2022 Strategic Plan
What has been accomplished so far?
Jesus welcomes everybody.
We will too.
Our mission is to welcome as we have been welcomed. We strive to create an environment of love, fellowship, and acceptance for all through a friendly greeting, welcoming atmosphere, and clear information describing our faith life together. We have enhanced the welcome experience at the door, in the lobby, during and after worship, online, and more.
We Created
our Welcome Statement
We welcome all to Good Shepherd. Everyone. Without exception. This welcome includes those shunned by society and by churches because of their race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental abilities, financial resources, and family status, no matter what you have done or has been done to you, no matter what darkness you have struggled with, now or in the past.
In this large, beautifully diverse world, we invite you to a community where we all belong. Whether you are a believer, a doubter or a seeker, in Christ’s love, we welcome you. By the power of the Holy Spirit, we will work to extend God’s grace, love, justice, and dignity inside and outside our church. You are a Child of God. You belong here with your whole self. Your story and your life are valuable, here at Good Shepherd, and in the world. We welcome you.
Improving First Impressions
Interaction at the front door has been improved to create a more inviting atmosphere. This includes greeters at the entrance, pastors in the lobby, and ushers welcoming worshippers into the sanctuary. Staff is present at all worship services to identify and welcome visitors and new faces. Staff provides a tour of our worship spaces, lounge areas, and invites guests to communion. All first time guests are given a welcome bag that includes a handwritten note from our hospitality coordinator thanking them for attending worship and an invitation to reach out with any questions. The congregation has been empowered to carry out the message of welcome and hospitality to each other and to new people . Many stay after worship for fellowship, coffee, and donuts.
Welcome to Worship
At the beginning of each worship service the pastor extends this welcome, “Welcome to everyone joining us online or in person. We are so glad you are here today. Good Shepherd is a community that practices welcome, forgiveness and service to others. We welcome all to our church without exception. You and I are children of God and our lives and our stories are valuable here in this congregation and in the world. We are so glad you are here.”
Welcome to the Table
The Pastor continues to extend that welcome to all during Holy Communion, “We want you to know that all are welcome at this table. We believe this is the Lord’s Table and everyone is welcome to share in this meal together. Please come and join us.”
See you around Church!
At the close of worship, through the video announcements, email, our website, lobby screens, and posters we welcome all to join in our faith life together at upcoming events, outreach ministry efforts, service opportunities, fellowship, and more.
What remains to be accomplished?
There are several welcome enhancement opportunities that still need to be addressed:
Improve our digital welcome to ensure that our online presence reflects the warm and inclusive nature of our community.
Ongoing hospitality training for staff and worship volunteers. Develop a comprehensive curriculum to maintain a consistent and clear approach to the hospitality efforts.
Focus on implementation and steady progress, ensuring that all ideas are brought to fruition.
Foster more intentional connections within our church community and continually strive to create a culture of genuine hospitality reflected in our people and presence every day of the week whether in-person or online.
Train church members to serve as hospitality ambassadors, reaching out to new people before, during, and after worship with a warm welcome and conversation.
Revisit the objective and implementation of pew pads and connect cards to gather visitors’ information and tend to people who need additional care.
Improve the promotion of events to create a more inviting atmosphere and encourage participation.
Host a monthly social event to encourage fellowship and relationship building.
We need to discover new ways to actively live out our commitment to welcome and affirm people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and expressions in worship, ministry, and outreach efforts.
Expand our welcome to include diverse cultures and languages with translation of worship materials. Establish community nights that appeal to neighborhood kids and families.
We excel at welcoming individuals through our doors; now our focus is on fostering a stronger sense of community. Our congregation yearns for meaningful connections with each other and the opportunity to be truly seen, cared for, and heard by its lead pastor.
Lead Pastor's Role in Enhancing Welcome
The ideal candidate for enhancing welcome at Good Shepherd is someone who actively supports the RIC mission and ensures all of God's children feel welcomed and accepted. They will prioritize building a welcoming and inclusive community where every member feels valued and respected. This includes making the effort to know members by name, engaging in conversations after services, and fostering connections among the congregation. They will strive to create a friendly, warm and caring atmosphere. Overall, they will embody Good Shepherd’s welcoming statement and mission, be skilled at building relationships, and engage in ministry that fosters connection within the church community.
