About a year ago I wrote about how my congregation was looking for creative and intentional ways to welcome new children and families. In the time since there have been many changes in our congregation. Our pastor retired, we had a bridge pastor, and a new pastor was called. We hired an Associate for Congregational Care who came to provide support for our older adult ministry, care and outreach to members, and connection to those who could no longer come to church in person. Through all these changes and transitions, a new sense of welcome and care has grown in the congregation. The energy surrounding welcome has increased.
We have broadened our view of visitors and welcome in the past few months. Part of our energies were supported by calling a new pastor who has a young family. Her family’s needs have helped to bring into focus a more imminent and consistent reminder of welcoming and thinking about young children and families in every part of our church life. Our congregation is working to mindfully plan intergenerational events, send invitations to our preschool and young families with information about long-time traditions, and work to see how we can broaden our view to include families in our community who may be interested in our congregation.
We have seen a steady stream of visitors in the past few years. The challenge seems to come in connecting with new people in meaningful and personal ways. After years of transition and upheaval it has proved difficult to pivot from a place of survival to a place of thriving. One of the most important ways we have experienced a change has been through the guidance of my colleague who serves as the Congregational Care Associate. She has challenged our care team and other volunteers who are working to care for members of the community to make regular phone calls, visit as often as possible, send cards, and greet members every chance they have. While these seem like obvious steps, in hindsight, it has been incredible how the intentional reminder to connect to people in person, with our voices, has lifted our sense of community and care for one another. The church feels different, and I have noticed so many more people stopping to talk and really listening to one another.
While garnering new members is always a hope for congregations, it is with joy of intentional connection with people of all ages that fills the church with care and love for one another. In this vibrancy God’s word and our response to it both shine forth.