In this episode, Rev. Lisa Work and Sarah Reid explore how churches, especially smaller congregations, can authentically invite, welcome, and connect with newcomers. They discuss the importance of assessing church practices, understanding diverse experiences, and asking the right questions to foster genuine relationships within faith communities.

Key Topics Covered:

• The purpose of the Invite, Welcome, Connect framework as an assessment tool, not a program.

• The significance of small churches participating as cohorts to share insights and growth.

• The role of systematic relationship-building in creating a sense of belonging.

• Stephanie Spellers’ insights on future faith and the importance of authentic connections.

• How to ask meaningful questions about faith, belonging, and challenges facing different generations.

• The value of authentic relationships over superficial programs in attracting and retaining members.

• The importance of asking the right questions to address real needs instead of assumptions.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction to Good News on the Ground and the new series

00:28 - Purpose behind the Invite, Welcome, Connect initiative

00:56 - How the framework helps churches assess and grow

01:24 - Distinguishing between a program and an assessment tool

02:21 - Tailoring resources for smaller churches within the diocese

03:19 - The cohort model for implementing Invite, Welcome, Connect

03:49 - Emphasizing context-specific and shame-free evaluation

17:09 - Building community through shared belonging and recognizing individual needs

22:50 - Reflection on the importance of being true to your church’s identity

23:19 - The value of human-centered design thinking for church growth and an illustrative story of innovation from Stanford students in India

Resources & Links

• The Church Is Changing - The Rev. Canon Stephanie Spellers at St. Stephen's Cathedral Harrisburg, PA

• Stephanie Spellers - Official Website

• Invite, Welcome, Connect Resources

• Design Thinking Project about Inncubators