Central Florida Embraces Invite Welcome Connect

A diocese-wide movement is forming around the ministry of invitation, hospitality, and belonging

The Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida is launching a dynamic new season of ministry through Invite Welcome Connect, a framework that equips churches to practice intentional invitation, deep hospitality, and transformative connection. This diocesan-wide initiative—spearheaded by Archdeacon Julie Altenbach, the Rev. Cynthia Brust, and the Rev. Canon Ellis Brust—is already drawing energy and excitement from clergy and lay leaders alike.

“Invite Welcome Connect really does lend itself to the vision of our bishop,” said Altenbach in a video interview. “He’s called us to be for the churches, for the gospel, and for mission. That means creating spaces where people are formed in their faith and empowered to go out and make disciples.”

A Vision Backed by Action

The ministry gained momentum when Canon Ellis Brust offered to underwrite the Invite Welcome Connect On Demand subscription for every church in the diocese. But this wasn’t the first time Central Florida had encountered the program. A year earlier, Invite Welcome Connect founder Mary Foster Parmer led a workshop hosted by Dean Deke Miller in Winter Haven.

“It was so well attended,” Altenbach recalled. “Bishop Dabney (Smith), who has since passed away, came back and told us what an incredible day it was. There was real joy in the room—people were receiving something meaningful.”

That experience planted seeds that began to grow this year through a new diocesan course, Invite Welcome Connect 101, held through the Institute for Christian Studies. Over 40 participants from more than 20 churches gathered for a full Saturday of formation.

“You could sense that people were hungry for tools,” said Altenbach. “They want newcomers to do more than just attend. They want them to become part of the life of the church, to grow in faith and help the community grow stronger in its relationship with God.”

From Visitors to Belonging

The training used materials from the On Demand platform and included brainstorming sessions, small group conversations, and table questions like, “What would this look like in your church?” For many, it was eye-opening.

“One church said, ‘People come, they seem to enjoy it, and then we never see them again,’” said Altenbach. “They weren’t blaming anyone—they took ownership. They said, ‘It’s up to us to make sure people know this sacred space could be their home too.’”

Participants also spoke candidly about change. “One older woman said something that really stuck with me,” Altenbach shared. “‘If we aren’t willing to make changes, then we’re not going to have anything left to pass on to other generations.’ She was willing to do things that felt uncomfortable because she saw the bigger picture.”

Lay Leadership Is Key

Clergy and lay leaders attended the event side by side, embodying the collaborative spirit at the heart of the ministry.

“It’s not just rectors trying to get their people on board,” said Altenbach. “Lay people are eager to do this work. They just need tools. They were furiously taking notes and sharing ideas. Honestly, there was a buzz in the room.”

And while clergy support is essential, the ministry relies on lay initiative. “We’re all called to do this. That’s what makes it powerful—it invites everyone into the work of Welcome.”

Digital Tools for a Connected Church

Altenbach also sees enormous promise in the On Demand resources. “We’re a diocese of 80 churches spread across hundreds of miles. COVID taught us we’re not as isolated as we think we are. These tools help us stay connected.”

In addition to the videos and resources, Invite Welcome Connect On Demand includes collaborative “idea walls” that let participants share strategies across diocesan lines. Altenbach noted how transformative this could be, especially for the deacons she mentors: “This just lends itself to a deacon’s call—go out, Invite, Welcome, and Connect. Then empower the lay people to do the same.”

Follow-up Zoom calls and additional ICS courses are already in the works to build on the momentum. “We’ve got some people doing really great things,” she said. “We want to keep them connected and learning from one another.”

“This Is Just the Beginning”

Looking ahead, Altenbach is hopeful and energized. “People are ready for this,” she said. “They’re asking how to stay connected. They’re excited. And I’m excited to see how God will use this to help us reach more people for the kingdom.”

As the diocese continues to explore and expand this ministry, one thing is clear: Invite Welcome Connect isn’t just a program—it’s a movement. And in Central Florida, that movement is gaining strength, one congregation at a time.

About Invite Welcome Connect Invite Welcome Connect is a ministry of evangelism, hospitality, and belonging that has served Episcopal congregations for more 14 years. Now an independent nonprofit, Invite Welcome Connect is dedicated to providing accessible and transformative resources in person and online that empower individuals and congregations to live out Christ’s call to “Go and make disciples.” Learn more at www.invitewelcomeconnect.com.