Welcome to Your Church Home: Strategies for Congregational Welcome and Assimilation in a Post-Christian Society

Abstract

When welcoming a guest into a personal home, nearly every action is taken to make that person feel comfortable, at ease, and at home in a place they may or may not have ever visited. These foundational principles and the goal of establishing belonging are no different for a congregation seeking to welcome individuals into their spiritual home. Just as hosting within one’s personal home changes based on the audience coming, a church adaptation is no different. American culture has experienced a profound and rapid spiritual shift in recent decades, leading many to describe America as a post-Christian society. In this environment, Christianity no longer holds a place of assumed influence or high regard. What does this mean for the church? This cultural transformation signifies that the church’s mission field has changed. Therefore, churches must thoughtfully consider how their congregational welcome can make people feel at home the first time they walk through the front door. This paper will attempt to define “home” in a congregational setting while exploring subtle yet practical strategies that foster a welcoming environment and facilitate meaningful assimilation within Christian congregations seeking to engage in a post-Christian society.