Walking into church can be intimidating, whether for the first time or after a period of absence, whether you are a non-believer or a believer. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if your church was a place where everyone received a warm welcome? A place where newcomers can quickly feel at home and where non-believers receive the welcome of God’s people alongside the welcome of Jesus?
This warm, practical book by Jen Oshman explores what the Bible says to help readers discover how to make space for others, however different they are to them, in their church and in their lives. She also gives practical advice, drawing on good practice from churches around the world in a range of situations. In a world of division, individualism and isolation, readers will see that ...their church can witness to Christ by being a place of welcome, community and connection.
Whether you’re a pastor looking to encourage your congregation to welcome others or a church member wanting to see unbelievers come to faith and help everyone feel part of the family, this resource is for you.
This book is part of the Love Your Church series, a collection of thoughtful and practical books that will inspire every church member with a biblical vision of what it means to be a local community of God’s family. Church members can explore together what it means to belong, to welcome, to gather, to care, to serve and to honour one another, and to witness and send people out to spread the gospel.
(Review written for 'Welcome')
Pg 41 encouraged my type A schedule and to-do list loving heart: “Do I make space in my life, and in my schedule, for those whose lives are messy or awkward or just very different from my own?”
She reminds us of the truth at the heart of the gospel - that we are, by nature, enemies of God. And that only though the shed blood of Jesus are we welcomed into God’s family. This should spur us into welcoming others in the same way.
Chapters 6 and 7 were not my favorite. She did point out that she was ...not advocating for making “visiting a church so convenient and attractive that we demolish the gospel” which I appreciated because many of the surrounding pages made it sound that way. Outreach is important, but it is by no means the primary focus or purpose of a church. My personal opinion is that far too many churches focus on bringing in people and wha results is the gospel is watered down or replaced with emotional responses to culture. Expositing the word is replaced with feel good, topical preaching. Of course church should be welcoming, but we should raise up those who join us, educating and encouraging them to the truth of the gospel instead of focusing on not offending anyone. She also says “An inward focus harms a church, while an outward focused brings life.” Followed with “Churches that maintain an outward focus are the healthiest.” These seem like arbitrary statements. Define healthiest? Large numbers don’t equate to healthy, gospel-centered churches. For both examples, the focus is wrong. The ultimate focus of any healthy church is God. I do think some of these statements and ideas fleshed out in conversation with the author may show that we align more than this book has led me to believe.
In her conclusion she does clarify that God alone provides the growth and encourages us to “give our lives over to the task of planting seeds and watering them” while also reminding us of John 6:44 and that no one can come to Jesus unless that Father draws him.
(Review written for 'Welcome')
We found this so helpful that we made it the basis for a term's preaching. Across 7 chapters we were encouraged to rethink welcoming both at church and in our wider circles, and to welcome people with the welcome we have received from God.
All in all a great package.
Short book = accessible.
Discussion questions/worksheets = small groups could join in.
Videos = further input.
(Review written for 'Welcome')
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Welcome by Jen Oshman. How we welcome visitors, people perhaps apprehensive about visiting a church for the first time or even how we welcome people who have been coming to church for many years; these are aspects that many churches overlook or give very little consideration to.
This book firstly gives a biblical perspective to these issues, and most importantly gives encouragement and practical ideas, based on years of experience by the author.
I heartily recommend this book for church leaders, elders, deacons, indeed to all church members. I’m sure they will find it challenging and ...encouraging.
