Skip to content
English
  • There are no suggestions because the search field is empty.

Creating a Welcoming Culture to Show People How Valued They Are

In a world where people often feel unseen and disconnected, the church has a powerful opportunity—to be a place where love leads the way. When visitors walk through your doors, they should feel more than just welcomed; they should feel truly valued. Jesus made this clear in John 13:34: “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”

A welcoming culture isn’t just about a friendly greeting at the door—it’s about creating intentional moments of connection that reflect Christ’s love in real, tangible ways. At VisitorReach, we call these NurturePoints™—small but meaningful actions that, when practiced consistently, can transform a church into a place where people feel seen, cared for, and embraced.

Here are 8 foundational elements that will help your church build a truly welcoming culture:

  1. Be Compassionate: Visitors should experience kindness through smiles, handshakes, words of encouragement, or simply a warm presence. Romans 12:15 encourages believers to “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” Genuine compassion makes individuals feel valued and understood.
  2. Be Relational: Leaders and volunteers should make an effort to connect with new visitors before interacting with those they already know. Personal engagement builds trust and fosters connection. Proverbs 27:9 states, “The pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice.”
  3. Be Personal: Making visitors feel like individuals rather than just numbers is crucial. Taking the time to ask names, listen to personal stories, and remember details fosters a deeper sense of connection. Proverbs 18:24 says, “One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”
  4. Be Real: Authenticity is key. People are drawn to genuine interactions rather than superficial ones. Sharing personal experiences, challenges, and victories helps visitors feel safe and accepted. As 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 highlights, “God comforts us so that we can comfort others.”
  5. Be Responsive: Listening is more important than speaking. Engaging in meaningful conversations and asking questions that encourage visitors to share their thoughts creates an inviting atmosphere.
  6. Be Interactive: Engagement plays a crucial role in fostering a welcoming culture. Studies suggest that 12-15 NurturePoints™ are required before a person feels ready to take their next step. Encouraging follow-ups, continuing conversations, and showing genuine interest in visitors’ experiences can have a lasting impact.
  7. Be Caring: Demonstrating care goes beyond words. Visitors should feel that their presence is appreciated and that their concerns matter. Matthew 9:36 describes Jesus’ compassion for the crowds, an example that churches should strive to emulate.
  8. Be Prayerful: Prayer serves as a powerful bonding act. Offering to pray for individuals during or after interactions shows deep care and invites divine intervention into their lives. James 5:16 reminds believers that “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” Keeping a list of names and committing to pray for visitors can help strengthen connections over time.

How to Implement a Welcoming Culture

While creating a welcoming culture in a church is shown through the behaviors of leadership, it can also be woven into the fabric of the church’s culture itself. Creating tangible action items for leadership, volunteers, and regular attendees will bring about a universal embracement of welcoming newcomers with open hearts. VisitorReach encourages these NurturePoints™ within every team to be clearly stated and implemented through modeling and practice. 

These three simple steps will outline how to achieve these goals of creating a welcoming culture:

  1. Document and Share: Clearly outline these NurturePoints™ and incorporate them into training materials for pastors, leaders, and hospitality teams. Make them a core part of your church’s culture, not just a one-time initiative.
  2. Train and Model: Regularly equip your team through training sessions and hands-on practice. Leaders should set the example, demonstrating these principles in every interaction.
  3. Commit to Action: Look for opportunities to integrate these welcoming practices into every aspect of church life, from Sunday services to small groups and community outreach.

A welcoming culture doesn’t happen by accident—it’s built through consistent, intentional effort. By embracing these NurturePoints™, your church can move beyond surface-level hospitality to create an environment where visitors feel truly valued. When people know they matter, they’re more likely to stay, engage, and grow in their faith—leading to lasting transformation.