The Welcoming Congregation: Roots and Fruits of Christian Hospitality
by Henry G. Brinton
Westminster John Knox Press, Louisville, Ky. 152 pages
reviewed by Alison Bennett
At the beginning of “The Welcoming Congregation: Roots and Fruits of Christian Hospitality,” Henry Brinton tells he asked the pastor of a congregation that had achieved spectacular growth: what was his secret?
“I fired the ushers”, he replied. “Those old men were stiff and cold. All they knew was to hand people a bulletin, thus making a horrible impression on visitors. I fired them, searched for people whom God had given the gift of hospitality, and the rest was easy.”
Well maybe it’s not that easy, and Brinton embarked on a quest to discover the “roots and fruits” of hospitality. He studied Scripture for lessons and traveled during his sabbatical to learn successful practices at the Iona Community and Rick Warren’s Saddleback Church, for example.
Brinton shares that new people who come to church are guests, not visitors, and it is critical that we think of ourselves as hosts. First impressions are critical. “Guests are deciding whether or not to come back long before the pastor speaks.” Thinking like a host reminds us to focus on making others comfortable, greeting everyone, not just friends, and paying attention to things that make our building inviting.
One of the social factors fighting against mainline churches is the shrinkage of the moderate religious middle, which reflects the increasing polarization of contemporary politics in America. In contrast, God has always had a vision for the Christian church to include everyone who honors the Lord and seeks to practice healing and justice.
In the interest of disclosure, I have met Henry Brinton and he quotes my own pastor, Roy Howard of Saint Mark Presbyterian Church in North Bethesda, Md., who says some church professionals are offering growth manuals that encourage polarization, advising that like attracts like. Brinton quotes Pastor Howard to say, “this kind of church bears no resemblance to the church described in the New Testament of rich and poor, strong and weak.” We are reminded that Jesus models this vision when he eats with sinners, welcomes children and talks with women and that Jesus was a reformer who reached across differences, practicing a ministry of radical hospitality in a time when purity was the standard for acceptance.
This form of hospitality is “far more nourishing than cookies and coffee after worship.” Brinton offers a slim volume full of readings and techniques to improve our skills as welcoming people. He begins with the biblical and historical roots of hospitality followed by “the fruits of hospitality,” reconciliation, outreach and perception of God. Brinton suggests that small groups study the book and then these informed people become leaders of other small groups to study and grow as hospitable people. Brinton assures us that with practice, hospitality can become a way of life to help us live our beliefs.
“The Welcoming Congregation” offers a warm and friendly invitation through colorful, contemporary examples and thoughtful, biblical underpinnings.
ALISON BENNETT is a ruling elder of Saint Mark Presbyterian Church who leads the congregation’s welcoming ministry and environmental stewardship focus.
