Making New Disciples: Reflective Questions about Hospitality

Thoughtful questions can help the members reflect on their current approach to hospitality and identify ways to become more welcoming. Here are some types of questions that might open up this discussion constructively:

Reflective Questions on Community and Relationships

1. How would you describe the sense of community within our church?

   • This question encourages members to reflect on the relationships they currently have and whether the congregation feels connected or distant.

2. When was the last time you had a meaningful conversation with someone new at church?

   • This can help members consider how often they engage with newcomers and what might be barriers to doing so.

3. In what ways do you feel connected or disconnected from other church members?

   • This question can highlight areas of strength or need within the congregation’s sense of fellowship.

4. What first drew you to this church, and how were you made to feel welcome?

   • Reflecting on their initial experiences can remind members of the importance of a warm welcome.

Questions on Invitation and Outreach

5. How comfortable are you inviting others to church events or services? What might make it easier?

   • This addresses potential discomforts around invitation and gives insight into what might need to change.

6. What are some ways our church could make visitors feel more welcome?

   • This question invites members to think practically about what a welcoming church environment looks like.

7. Are there groups in our community who might need support or encouragement? How could we serve them?

   • By identifying local needs, members may see outreach as a way of building genuine connections and serving others.

8. What are some events or activities that could encourage fellowship and invite new people?

   • This opens the door to discussing fresh ideas for social gatherings or outreach efforts.

Questions to Foster a Welcoming Mindset

9. What do you think it means to be a welcoming church?

   • This helps members define what "welcoming" really means to them, which can reveal differing perspectives and areas for growth.

10. What role do you think hospitality plays in our mission as a church?

    • This prompts members to consider hospitality as an essential part of church life and faith, beyond a simple greeting.

11. What concerns, if any, do you have about inviting people to join us?

    • This question allows members to express any fears or hesitations about outreach, making it easier to address these barriers directly.

12. How can we each play a part in creating a warm and inviting atmosphere?

    • This question personalizes the task of building relationships, encouraging each member to take responsibility for hospitality.

Questions on Potential Growth and Vision

13. What changes would you like to see in how we welcome and connect with others?

    • This question allows members to envision a different kind of congregational life, which can be the first step toward creating it.

14. How do you think building relationships with others in the church might impact our faith community?

    • This question helps members think about the positive impacts of deeper connections and how it might enrich their own experiences.

15. What are some simple ways we could begin reaching out to people who might feel on the fringes of our church community?

    • This question emphasizes small, actionable steps rather than large changes, making hospitality seem more manageable.

Approaching these questions with a spirit of curiosity and openness can help foster honest conversations and inspire changes that make the church feel more inviting and connected.