We’ve heard it hundreds of times: “We’re such a friendly church." As has been written in other settings, we have never encountered a congregation that admitted they were not a friendly church. But just saying it is friendly does not make it so! The sad reality is that most congregations are friendly with those who already belong. Not so much for the guests.

The goal of a hospitality system is to extend to others the warm welcome that we have received through God’s hospitality. This unit explores components of an effective hospitality system, and tips for development in your context.