Thank you to our Sunday School classes who welcomed us for the four-week series based on our churchwide theme, “Invitation: God Reached Out, So Do We.” Your willingness to combine classes created lively discussions about how our church participates in God’s hospitality and how we can continue to grow in sharing God’s love.
We began by asking, “Where do you see God working at FBG, and what makes this a place worth inviting others to?” Classes shared stories of care within our church, service opportunities across Greenville, gratitude for children and youth ministries, and appreciation for a community where people can explore faith and ask questions together. The second week, we explored the deeper meaning of belonging to the Church and God’s invitation to participate in the reconciliation ministry of the Gospel. By the third week, our focus turned to a more practical challenge: actually inviting others. Participants named common worries—appearing pushy, navigating the intersection of faith and politics or the risk of disrupting the group. These conversations helped us think about faithful ways forward.
In the final week, classes shared ideas for cultivating hospitality and invitation at FBG. One idea mentioned was to describe what church is like rather than trying to explain every belief. For example, when asked, “What’s FBG like?” You could answer:
You’ll see all kinds of people and families in worship. The campus can be a bit tricky to navigate, so I will meet you under the steeple entrance. Our worship usually begins with a piece from the organ before the choir enters. One of my favorite parts is when there is a Children’s Reflection and all the kids go down front; you never know what will happen. There are also times for prayer, hymns we sing together and places of response before our Senior Minister, Carol McEntyre, preaches (her sermons usually last around 15 minutes).
In just a few sentences, an invitation like this paints a picture of worship and community without needing theological explanations. Practicing invitation is more than just inviting new people to church. Hospitality happens every time we gather. When you see an unfamiliar face, greet them and offer to sit together: “Good morning! Are you new to First Baptist? I’m Camille—would you like to sit with me?” If you recognize someone but can’t remember their name, simply ask. Since our campus can be difficult to navigate, be ready to help someone find their way. Walking with a guest to their destination is a simple act of kindness that makes a big difference.
The best invitations are invitations with, not invitations to. Instead of saying, “You should visit my church sometime,” offer to go together. Invitation isn’t limited to Sunday mornings. Many people first connect with church through friendship and shared activities. Opportunities abound through children’s, youth and engaged aging ministries, service groups like Project Host and Mission Backpack, community engagement events and affinity group gatherings. The body of Christ is formed Monday through Saturday as well.
Our staff will continue learning from your feedback and putting your ideas into action this spring. You’ll see more opportunities for connection on Sunday mornings, including passing the peace in worship, more name tags and gathering outside after services on warm days.
We love learning from you and are grateful for the ways you embody Christ’s hospitality. Keep your hospitality glasses on, practice your invitations and let’s see where the Spirit leads!
—Camille Loomis Rehnborg and Michael McEntyre