(Pastor DC here....)
I want you to know Dana and I are so thankful for each and every one of you who attend our church so faithfully! Your presence, prayers, and participation in worship are what make our church a vibrant and welcoming place to learn about Jesus, engage in our faith, and encourage each other.
Each weekend, we have been seeing new faces come through the doors, with 1-5 new families attending weekly since September! The holidays are a great time of the year for new people to check us out.
So here are three ways you can help us welcome new guests this Christmas...
#1 - Move a little closer to the front when you come in.
As our church continues to welcome new guests, one of the simplest ways we can show hospitality is by leaving room in the back for those who are coming in for the first time. Walking into a new place can feel intimidating, and having an easy place to sit can help them feel at ease. So I want to encourage all of us—especially those who call this church home—to move a little closer to the front when we come in.
Think of it as making room at the table. The closer we sit, the more connected we feel, and the more welcoming our space becomes for newcomers. It also helps create an atmosphere of unity, engagement, and expectation when we gather to worship.
#2 - Introduce yourself to new faces.
One of the greatest gifts we can offer new guests is a warm, genuine welcome. I want to encourage all of us to keep our eyes open for new faces each week. A simple smile, a handshake, or a “We’re glad you’re here” can make all the difference for someone walking in for the first time. You don’t need a title or a 'dream team' position to bless someone—just a heart that’s willing to show Christ’s love.
Let’s make our church a place where no one stands alone, no one sits unnoticed, and everyone feels at home from the moment they arrive.
#3 - Invite new people to sit with you.
When you see a new guest come in on Sunday, consider inviting them to sit with you. You don’t have to make it formal or complicated—just a kind smile and a gentle, “Hey, you’re welcome to sit with us if you’d like.”
Many people feel nervous walking into an unfamiliar place, and that simple invitation can help them feel seen, valued, and included right away. We want our church to feel like family, and families make room for one another. Your invitation might be the very thing God uses to help someone feel at home and open their heart to what He wants to do.
Thank you for helping make our church a place where people feel seen, welcomed, and loved from the moment they walk through the doors. Your small act of moving forward, welcoming new guests, and inviting others to sit with you truly helps make that possible this Christmas season and beyond.
We look forward to seeing you and having you help us welcome guests, with hearts ready to receive—this coming weekend.
Love you all and cheering you on! See you this Sunday ready to worship and finish the month strong! 😀
Dennis Calhoun
Lead Pastor, Souls Church
