Invite Welcome Connect has released a significant new resource for small congregations:  Google Forms versions of the Invite Welcome Connect assessment tools , thoughtfully edited to better serve the realities of small churches. The Invite Welcome Connect team will walk through how to copy, customize, launch, and interpret the results in a new webinar on Feb. 4 at 2:00 p.m. Eastern The new digital assessment tool automatically collates responses from the congregation and help

Every Ash Wednesday, churches around the world participate in Ashes to Go, a ministry that brings church to the streets, offering moments of grace at bus terminals, coffee shops, church driveways, shopping malls, wherever busy people gather. The Rev. Emily Mellott, rector of Trinity Episcopal Church in Moorestown, NJ, and one of the founders of Ashes to Go, discusses the power of that ministry and how it aligns with the principles of Invite Welcome Connect.

Lent invites us to slow down, reflect, and ask deeper questions about who we are and who God is calling us to be. For congregations looking for a thoughtful, practical group activity during this season, the Invite Welcome Connect Group Study Guide  offers a rich and engaging option for small groups, ministry teams, and whole congregations. You can find the Study Guide on our website anytime under the Free Resources  menu or by visiting this page . A Six-Session Journey of Re

Small Congregations Series: Steps for the Future Manageable, meaningful steps into a more connected future Wednesday, January 21 | 2:00–3:00 p.m. Eastern | Webinar Register Now

On February 1, 2026, Invite Welcome Connect On Demand will begin using a new access code for churches and dioceses that subscribe. This is a routine update. Most people will not need to do anything right now.

Every diocese that subscribes to Invite Welcome Connect On Demand  receives more than a library of videos, guides, and tools. They receive a welcome . As part of every diocesan subscription, Executive Director Steve Welch offers a live, online introduction to the Invite Welcome Connect ministry and to the On Demand resources themselves . These sessions are designed to help diocesan leaders, clergy, and lay leaders understand not just what  the resources are, but how  they can

Creativity is not about abandoning tradition. It is about allowing tradition to breathe. . . . Importantly, creativity gives permission to try something, reflect on it, and adapt, without labeling the effort a success or a failure. In ministry, that freedom is a gift.

“Connect is the ministry of belonging… and the deep truth of Connect is the sacred act of listening.” In this reel, Mary Foster Parmer , founder of Invite Welcome Connect , explains how congregations build true belonging: – creating safe spaces for newcomers to share their stories, – practicing holy listening, – helping people discern their gifts, – and offering clear, intentional pathways into the life of the congregation. This message was part of an Invite Welcome Connect

Curious about what Invite Welcome Connect is all about? Join Founder Mary Foster Parmer for an overview of this ministry that has helped congregations across the Episcopal Church grow in faithful invitation, genuine hospitality, and deep connection. Clergy and lay people alike will gain insight into making their churches true beacons for evangelism, hospitality, and belonging in their communities. Perfect for anyone seeking fresh energy for welcoming and connecting in their p

Are you a friendly community or a community of friends? This Advent, let's turn obstacles into opportunities for genuine welcome. New blog post on complacency, sacred cows, and the courage to change.

A Free Webinar Series on Evangelism, Hospitality, and Belonging When you're struggling to get everything done in a smaller congregation with fewer resources and fewer people, adding something new can seem overwhelming. That's where the genius of Invite Welcome Connect comes in. Unlike those turnkey, one-size-fits-all "church growth programs" out there, Invite Welcome Connect is not a program. It's a ministry that is infinitely adaptable to congregations where they are right n

We’re excited to announce the release of our Greeter Ministry Guide, a comprehensive resource designed to help congregations build welcoming, systematic approaches to greeting visitors and members alike.

A Free Webinar Series on Evangelism, Hospitality, and Belonging When you're struggling to get everything done in a smaller congregation with fewer resources and fewer people, adding something new can seem overwhelming. That's where the genius of Invite Welcome Connect comes in. Unlike those turnkey, one-size-fits-all "church growth programs" out there, Invite Welcome Connect is not a program. It's a ministry that is infinitely adaptable to congregations where they are right n

The season of Advent is just around the corner—a season of waiting, watching, and preparing our hearts for Christmas. It is also one of the most natural times of the year for visitors to walk through our church doors. Neighbors who haven’t worshiped in years, families looking for a place to bring children to a Christmas pageant, those grieving who need a safe space to lament—all are likely to show up during Advent and Christmas. The question is: are we ready to welcome them?

This is a must-do for stewardship committees and lay or clergy stewardship leaders. Before your annual campaign begins, take a moment to review these proven practices, learn tips on running great fundraising campaigns, and prepare for a challenging Fall. The fundraising landscape this year is unique and presents new challenges and opportunities. We'll help you prepare for what is to come.