The Magnetic Church, a non-confrontational, practical evangelism ministry by evangelist Andrew D. Weeks, helps mainline Protestant and similar churches attract and retain new members. 

Through workshops and conferences, The Magnetic Church lives out its mission by inviting each participant to embrace Jesus' inviting, generous model of evangelism. Participants are called on to take part in joyful, creative new ministries, not shoulder more "tasks" or "jobs," and to explore opportunities and leave aside the old "shoulds, musts and oughts." Participants' spiritual development is encouraged -- especially the skeptics' -- as they learn to implement these programs.

Visit www.magnetic-church.com or call 401-766-7656 to learn more about the ministry.

In the October Vestry Paper article, "Hospitality Matters: Seeing Our Buildings Anew," author Eliza Linley says "If we believe that hospitality is a Gospel mandate, it is part of the mission of the church to look at our buildings with fresh eyes, to take an inventory, and to take care of the things that need attention." 

In terms of facilities, Linley says hospitality translates into four categories: safety, accessibility, comfort and attractiveness. 

The Approach: Is the church pleasing to look at? Besides its general maintenance, does the landscaping enhance the building or hide it? Are walkways and entries clear and easy to negotiate? Is it clear where to park, are signs clear and well-coordinated? How hard is it to enter by a wheelchair, crutches or with a stroller?

The Entry: Visitors should be able to see inside the building as they approach. The entry area or narthex needs to be attractive and constantly monitored to keep clutter down. Post things elsewhere. Leave space for the visitors' book, bulletins for one service only, copies of the church newsletter and large-print prayer books and hymnals.

The Sanctuary: Can everyone see clearly? Quality lighting can really "pop out" a handsome old building. Does the seating work for everyone? Is space allowed for wheelchairs? Do little people have to peer over pews? How are the acoustics? Is the floor covering dangerously worn? People with chemical and environmental sensitivities are miserable in buildings where there is perfume, incense or poor ventilation.

The Rev. Eliza Linley is a priest, architect and liturgical artist in Berkeley, Calif. She is chair of the Architecture Commission of the Diocese of California, and serves on the board of the Episcopal Church Building Fund. To read the entire article or for more information, contact Vestry Papers, http://www.episcopalfoundation.org/research/vestrypapers.html a newsletter that shares ideas on Leadership and Ministry with Vestries, published by the Episcopal Church Foundation (www.episcopalfoundation.org).

"Improving Your Welcome," an article by Charles Arn is designed to help leaders interested in church growth and church-health issues. "New faces, new places and new spaces are not a particularly pleasant experience," says Arn. In his article, he lists a few significant ways a church can make this experience more comfortable for newcomers.

Don't call them "visitors." According to Webster, a visitor is "...a person who resides temporarily; one who goes or comes to inspect." May I suggest you use the word "guest" -- a person welcomed into one's house; to whom hospitality is extended. Why not stop being a "greeter" -- "one who meets or extends welcome in a specified manner," and become a host -- "one who receives or entertains socially."

Parking Lot Hosts. Deploy a team of your parish members to greet and welcome folks the moment they step out of their cars. If it's raining, parking lot hosts should have umbrellas ready before guests step out of their cars.
Directional signs. You can't have too many signs on the church property. If your campus has more than one building, the name of each should be clearly visible.

Welcome Center Support Hosts. Many churches have a person or two working inside a welcome-center kiosk. That's good. But move from a good welcome to a great welcome by also stationing hosts in front of the kiosk where guests will be standing.

Pastor's Welcome. During the service I like to hear someone from the platform tell me they're glad I'm here. Not personally, because no one likes to be singled out in public. But when the pastor spends time in the service telling me that I'm valued by the church, it makes a big difference.

A Time of Greeting. Many churches include a moment during the service to shake hands and greet those around them. 

Church Tour. Newcomers are hesitant to wander around a new church uninvited, even though they would like to. So, why not offer a short tour of the facilities after each service?

Dr. Charles Arn is president of Church Growth in Monrovia, Calif., To read the entire article, visit churchgrowth@aol.com; 800-844-9286 or 626-305-1280.