During a Bible study, our small group asked each other, “What brought you to Lord of Love [Lutheran Church], and why do you stay?”
After we had all shared, we noted that each of our stories had one thing in common: Someone greeted us and invited us to take part in the congregation once we got there.
We were invited to join the choir, or attend an event, or participate in some other way. It was the come-and-join-us attitude of the congregation that made us feel welcomed.
We all had a variety of reasons of why we have remained members–all of us more than 20 years. My Bible study group of friends is one of the main reasons I stay there. That, and the handbell choir.
People need a sense of belonging, of knowing we are welcomed and a part of something bigger than us.
What brought you to your church? Why do you stay? How can you welcome and invite others to join your church?
This message is excerpted from “Welcoming leads to belonging” by Gwen Edwards from the March 11, 2019, blog of the Women of the ELCA.
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