How Extravagant Is Your Welcome?

by Rev. Debbie Gline Allen

Many of our congregations in the United Church of Christ open their weekly services of worship with the words, “No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here.” And we mean it. We are Open and Affirming. We are ethnically and racially diverse. We are becoming W.I.S.E. (welcoming, inclusive, supportive, engaged) and Green. And we practice our welcome in as many ways as there are UCC congregations. In a world that tries to separate and segregate us into factions, we are doing radical and Christ-like ministry. Well done, good and faithful servants!

At this moment in time, I challenge you to go one step further. I challenge you to welcome the little children. I challenge you especially to welcome them into your corporate services of worship, for the entirety of the service.

Why? Because by the time a child reaches the age of seven, their brains have taken in and stored memories and experiences that will influence their adult subconscious choices by up to 90%. Think about that for a minute. If a child feels welcomed and has a sense of belonging from the adults and leaders in their church, particularly in worship, they will be preparing their adult subconscious choice to keep church or a faith community in their lives.

If we want the next generation of children and youth to be a part of our faith communities when they become adults, we need to welcome them within the life of the church right now — especially in corporate worship.

Former co-owner of the world class restaurant Eleven Madison Park in New York City, Will Guidara, wrote a book about his restaurant’s journey to place first on the listing of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants entitled, Unreasonable Hospitality: The Remarkable Power of Giving People More Than They Expect. He realizes that not everyone has the funds and resources that he had to go overboard with their welcome, so he offers these words of wisdom: “Luxury means just giving more; hospitality means being more thoughtful.”

How can we be more thoughtful when new young families seek a place to help them raise their children in a moral and caring community? How will they know what to do or where to go, or where to store the stroller? What kind of thought has your church leadership put into offering worship supports for children (worship bags, PrayGrounds, and the like)? Do you have “surrogate worship grandparents” to introduce to your new families? Are you offering both the children and the parents “more than they expect” as you provide welcome and hospitality?

Children aren’t the only ones who may be starting out on a spiritual journey with the need for some support, welcome, and grace. How thoughtful are you as a congregation in allowing those who are new to the faith make the mistakes needed in order to learn the ways of your community?

A welcoming and thoughtful congregation is more than just a hospitable space on Sunday morning. Shifting the culture of your entire congregation in humble and hospitable ways has the potential to provide transformative experiences for all!

For assistance in welcoming young children and families in your services of worship, visit the Association of United Church Educators’ Intergenerational Resources webpage.

Related Resources