We all think we have friendly congregations (don't we?), but it's hard to judge whether that's true or not -- unless you're a newcomer. One of the top predictors of whether someone will visit a church again is if they find it a friendly place. So, how can you tell if you're friendly?
There's no litmus test (and what's friendly to some is intrusive to others). But there are some simple ways you can test yourself. See, for example, the "hospitality checklist" Canon Kevin Martin, former condev officer in the Diocese of Texas, once wrote. As a bonus, you'll also find a couple of other articles by Canon Martin, including an interesting history of the '70s "renewal movement" in the Episcopal Church, and a sermon about Boomers and M.A.S.H.
Posted by mbarlowe at May 4, 2003 10:39 PM