Welcome one another, then, as Christ welcomed you, for the glory of God.

Romans 15:7 (ESV)

How can we make our church more welcoming for people?

A good place to start is by being friendly, but it shouldn't end there.

Instead of just a quick hello, people want a genuine sense of acceptance, belonging, and friendship. If they are new to our church, it is our responsibility to welcome them and really help them integrate into our church family. Barnabas acted in this way (Acts 9:26–27) He introduced Paul to the apostles and later invited Paul to serve beside him at Antioch (Acts 11:25-26). Similarly, Paul constantly acknowledged supporters in his letters and exhorted his readers to show kindness and love to one another.

Welcoming others is crucial because we obey Jesus and imitate Him. 

Visitors to our church are looking for community, whether they realise it or not. While some may stay and some may leave, we must endeavour to love and serve them with God’s help. Whenever possible, I try to say a short prayer of blessing over our first-time visitors and those brief moments of prayer can significantly impact them for the better.

Well, not everyone is naturally good at making new friends. However, it is a skill that we can hone and develop. Just begin by approaching things intentionally. Every Sunday, practise speaking with one individual who seems new or unfamiliar to you. After that, introduce them to your friends. If you do this, it won't take long for any new people to start interacting with others in our church.

It all comes down to how conscious you are of those around you.

If Barnabas had not reached out to Paul, he would not have written half of the New Testament. If Barnabas had not restored John Mark, he would not have continued to write his gospel. If Barnabas had not connected in touch with the Christians in Antioch, they would not have launched a significant missionary movement from their church.

Who knows, the next person you meet might be the person God will use for His glory and honour and the good fruits that person produces will be to your benefit and reward.