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QUESTION:
We have a new pastor coming to our church after an 18 month search. We want to prolong the “welcoming party” for him the best and most creative way that we can. I’m looking for some cool, innovative ideas to welcome him that would also bring people in from the community.
- Jason :: Angola, IN

ANSWER:
At first thought, I would not consider a welcome party for a new pastor as an event that would attract many people from your community who are not already members of your church. In most cases, I would expect that welcoming a new pastor to a church is not appealing, fun, or interesting to unchurched people.

But I do think it is possible.

You mention wanting to achieve this in the best and the most creative way. I recommend focusing on what is the best, the most effective, way to do it. The most creative, innovative, or cool way is not always effective. In ministry, results matter.

With that said, think about what type of events could both make your new pastor feel welcome, as well as, attract people from your community.

I like the thought of a summer picnic. It is not an innovative idea, but I think it would be quite an effective one.

The Picnic & The Pastor 

Fellowship is a natural byproduct of summer picnics. Your new pastor needs fellowship with the congregation. It will make him feel comfortable and welcome, but most importantly, it will give him the opportunity to begin forming relationships with the congregation, which will strengthen his influence.

The Picnic & The Community

The fellowship factor of picnics is also beneficial to attracting people from your community. Attending a church service can be intimidating for guests, particularly if they do not know anyone at the church. Picnics, on the other hand, give newcomers more opportunities to meet people and make friends, while feeling less like they are in the spotlight as “the new guy.”

Best of all, I think picnics give a clear first impression of your church’s culture. If your church is friendly, it will show at the picnic. In his book Surprising Insights from the Unchurched, Thom Ranier explains that 49% of formerly unchurched people chose a church because of the friendliness of the members. That was the third most important factor right behind the pastor/preaching (90%) and doctrines (88%).

Think about the newcomers when planning your picnic. What types of activities or icebreakers would make it easy for them to meet new people and feel a sense of belonging? Free food for guests is always a plus. Have your church and/or church members supply all of the food and refreshments.

When promoting the picnic to your church and community, be sure to communicate that “everyone,” the whole community, is invited. In fact, encourage and persuade newcomers to attend. Have church members invite and bring people.

What About Innovation?

Just because picnics are not typically innovative or creative, does not mean that your church’s picnic can not be. As long as you have the basics covered and some budget to spare, brainstorm a list of fun, crazy, and cool ideas for your picnic. Do not judge the ideas while creating the list. Just write down anything and everything that comes to mind.

Once you have a decent list, narrow it down by first eliminating all of the ideas that are no way possible due to budget or location. Next carefully choose which ideas would best help you (a) welcome your new pastor or (b) bring in people from your community.

Truly Welcoming the Pastor

A welcome party is a nice gesture for a new pastor. But if you truly want to make him feel welcome, give him your loyalty and respect. Help him communicate his vision and ideas to the congregation and show support. Nothing is less welcoming for a pastor than being met with resistance for mentioning change or anything new. And if the new pastor is not the senior pastor, do the same as long as it is under the senior pastor’s approval.

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