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2018 Workshops
Where the Rubber Meets the Road
Brent Owens
The Role of Spiritual Gifts in Connecting
Mary MacGregor
Greeting is More Than Hello
Mary MacGregor
Are you Ready?
Matt Holcombe
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Invite Welcome Connect: A Ministry Born of Invitation, Sustained by Hope—Recorded Webinar
What happens when a simple invitation changes a life? And what happens when that invitation becomes a ministry that reshapes congregations across the Episcopal Church and beyond? In this recorded webinar, Mary Foster Parmer , founder of Invite Welcome Connect , shares the story of how a single “yes” to church led to a vocation, a book, and a movement centered on evangelism, hospitality, and belonging. Facilitated by Steve Welch , Executive Director of Invite Welcome Connect,
Dec 19, 20254 min read
Video: The Power of Sacred Listening
“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
Nov 25, 20251 min read
An Online Introduction to Invite Welcome Connect from Founder Mary Foster Parmer Dec. 10
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
Nov 25, 20251 min read
A New Beginning: Turning Obstacles Into Opportunities This Advent
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.
Nov 25, 20257 min read
Recording—Walking the Way of Love Together: A Webinar for Small Congregations
Presented by Mary MacGregor & Canon Jenni Faires • Facilitated by Steve Welch Invite Welcome Connect – Small Congregations Series Small congregations play an essential and Spirit-filled role in the life of The Episcopal Church. In the second webinar of Invite Welcome Connect’s Small Congregations Series , presenters Mary MacGregor and Canon Jenni Faires offered practical wisdom, encouragement, and tools for small churches seeking deeper connection, stronger community, and f
Nov 24, 20255 min read
Walking the Way of Love Together Small Congregations Webinar Nov. 19
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
Oct 30, 20253 min read
New Resource Available: Comprehensive Guide to Greeter Ministry
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.
Oct 20, 20253 min read
Recorded Webinar—Hospitality as Our Compass: Small Church Ministry in Action
Canon Jenni Faires of the Diocese of Southwestern Virginia and Invite Welcome Connect instructor Mary MacGregor provide insights and practical tips for transforming your small congregation into a place of true welcome
Oct 17, 20254 min read
Recorded Webinar: Pledge Campaign Best Practices
Invite Welcome Connect Executive Director Steve Welch joins TENS Executive Director Davey Gerhard for a Sept. 13 webinar on Best Practices for Fall Pledge Campaigns September webinar with The Episcopal Network for Stewardship (TENS) Invite Welcome Connect Executive Director Steve Welch joined TENS Executive Director Davey Gerhard for a Best Practices for Fall Pledge Campaigns webinar, adding the the perspective that stewardship is inegrally connected wth the principes of evan
Oct 1, 20251 min read
Small Congregations Webinar Series Begins Oct. 15
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
Sep 30, 20253 min read
Start Preparing Now to Welcome Guests for Advent and Christmas
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?
Sep 29, 20253 min read
TENS Partners with Invite Welcome Connect for Sept. 13 Stewardship Webinar
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.
Aug 26, 20251 min read
Register for Invite Welcome Connect with Mary Parmer in Memphis
Join Invite Welcome Connect Founder Mary Foster Parmer Sept. 6 in Memphis for a face-to-face workshop
Aug 26, 20251 min read
Invite Welcome Connect Webinar Series Begins Sept. 24
A Free Webinar Series on Evangelism, Hospitality, and Belonging Looking for fresh energy in your congregation’s ministry of invitation,...
Aug 26, 20253 min read
Renew Early to Make Invite Welcome Connect Part of Your 2026
Invite Welcome Connect On Demand went live on Jan. 1, 2025. Dioceses and congregations that subscribed before that date will renew Jan....
Aug 26, 20251 min read
The Power of Personal Invitation: What the Research Says About Church Growth
It might seem simple—or even outdated—but recent research from across the Christian landscape confirms something we’ve long known instinctively: a personal invitation is still the most effective way to bring new people into the life of a church.
Aug 6, 20254 min read
Explore Evangelism and Hospitality This Summer
This summer, Invite Welcome Connect invites you to gather in person for two exciting opportunities to explore deeper practices of evangelism, hospitality, and belonging—whether you’re a church leader, layperson, or seeker of new ways to build community.
Jul 25, 20252 min read
Fresh Insights in 60 Seconds: Invite Welcome Connect Reels Are Here!
Want a quick dose of inspiration for your ministry? Invite Welcome Connect is now sharing short-form video content across TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube Shorts! These reels are designed to spark new ideas, deepen your understanding of evangelism, and encourage a culture of hospitality and belonging—one minute at a time.
Jul 25, 20251 min read
When Church Culture Gets in the Way
What’s holding your church back? Not in terms of what’s wrong with it, but in terms of what keeps it from being more open, more dynamic, more alive with the Spirit?
Jul 23, 20254 min read
10 Tips for Helping Newcomers Connect to Your Church Community
Discover 10 practical, people-centered tips to help your church welcome, connect, and retain newcomers—turning first-time visitors into fully engaged members of your congregation.
Jul 14, 20252 min read
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