NOW WHAT? HOW TO INCORPORATE I/W/C IN YOUR PARISH

INVITE WELCOME CONNECT

INVITE AMBASSADORS

INVITE Matthew 28:19-20 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’ Why is the invitation to “Know God in Jesus Christ and to make Christ known to others” important?

INVITE “The deep truth of INVITE is Courage vs. Fear. It takes courage to invite someone to church, but the bottom line is that evangelism isn’t so much about offering something that’s ours to others so much as extending the invitation and getting out of the way, leaving the rest up to God and the Holy Spirit.”- Mary Parme r The Deep Truth of Invitation

INVITE Pray that God would make you an instrument of his love and give you courage to invite. Ambassador Committee Moo Cards Take advantage of classes and events that might appeal to people you know. Social Media & Website Ask people about their faith- you may be amazed at what they tell you. Share your story. People will connect with your sacred story. HOW TO INVITE

WELCOME NEWCOMER/VISITOR GREETERS & USHERS

WELCOME Romans 15:7 Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. Why is hospitality important?

WELCOME “The deep truth of WELCOME is seeing the other. Welcoming the stranger is welcoming Jesus. Jesus asks us to see one another in a new way, in the way of love, compassion, and forgiveness. Jesus modeled this for us, and we are called to do the same. We are called to really see every single person with whom we have contact on a daily basis, and also with every single person who walks into the doors of the church.” The Deep Truth of Welcome

WELCOME Pray that God would give you a spirit of humility and vision to see past the masks that people wear to the depth of who they really are. Ushers Newcomers/Visitor Greeters Wear your nametag Sit next new people and introduce yourself. Help guide them through the service. Talk to people you do not know. Invite people to coffee time of a Discipleship offering. How to Welcome

Usher Zones in the Narthex Zone One-Parking Lot Zone Two- Door Opening Doors Quiet Room Zone Three & Four- Doors and Leaflets Newcomers/Vi sitors Table Name Tags Examples of an Usher’s “Zone Defense”

CONNECTION SHEPHERDS

CONNECTION Romans 12:4-6 For as in one body we have many members, and not all the members have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another. We have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us Why is it important to connect?

CONNECTION “ The deep truth of CONNECTION is the sacred act of listening. When we relate to those around us by hearing their stories and then connecting them with others, we build the loving communities of faith that God intends for us. As the body of Christ, we must get seriously intentional and systematic about this vital essential principal of connection.” –Mary Parmer The Deep Truth of Connection

CONNECTION Pray that God will give us a discerning community that helps honor people’s gifts for ministry. Shepherding Have clear pathways to belonging (website, Rites of Initiation) Newcomers Dinner Newcomers Classes Have “Soul” Conversations asking them about their sacred story. Suggest taking a spiritual inventory Connect newcomers with the people & ministry that matches his/her particular life phase, gifts, talents, passion How to help make connections.

INVITE WELCOME CONNECT