Share this Faith

At the website of the Universalist National Memorial Church (a Unitarian Universalist Association member congregation in Washington D.C.), Rev. Lillie Mae Henley has a terrific post on the three major steps the congregation should take to promote growth: 1. Invite people to come to church 2. Keep in the forefront the mission of the church 3. Study up on Universalist history and theology.

I don’t know much about the specifics of Universalist National Memorial Church, but these three suggestions sound like good advice for Unitarian Universalist congregations across the theological spectrum that want to grow.

One more suggestion I’d like to add that it is essential is to have a culture of welcoming newcomers on Sunday morning — not only getting visitors in the door, but helping them feel at home in the congregation.

“Interconnections,” a UUA-published newsletter for congregational leaders, recently featured an article on “(Un)welcoming Churches: How Do Visitors See Us?”, describing the author’s disappointment at visiting a UU congregation and being persistently ignored by members (even those members whose express responsibility was to greet newcomers!)

Conversely, it is a terrific feeling to visit a UU congregation and be truly welcomed. Last Sunday, I went to services at a UU congregation in Boston (not the congregation where I am a member).

As I walked in the door, greeters smiled at me, said hello, and handed me a program. One greeter remained at the back of the church during the service to welcome people who arrived later.

Then at the end of the service, the same man stood at the doorway, and asked people individually “Would you join us for coffee hour?” When I thanked this man for his warm welcome, he squeezed my shoulder, looked me in the eye and smiled wide. He radiated warmth, joy, and a genuine desire to help new people find a home in his congregation. That is sharing our faith.