Mary Parmer Provides Simple Guidance for Clergy Who Want to Invite, Welcome, & Connect

Mary Foster Parmer—the Founder and Creator of Invite Welcome Connect—recently released simple guidelines to help clergy find their roles both in the overall Invite Welcome Connect ministry and the more specific ministry of connecting with newcomers.

It is difficult to succeed in the Invite Welcome Connect ministry, or in any newcomer ministry, without the active participation and leadership of clergy. In these sets of guidelines—printed below and available as a downloadable pdf in Invite Welcome Connect On Demand—Parmer provides simple guidance on how clergy can help ensure vibrant ministries in evangelism, hospitality, and belonging.

CLERGY ROLE in Invite Welcome Connect

Your leadership position as the rector, vicar, or priest-in-charge is critical in the implementation of the ministry of Invite Welcome Connect. As you personally live into the core values of Invite Welcome Connect—prayerful; intentional; relational; accountable—the congregation will be more likely to follow your lead.

•      Lay theological foundation: Baptismal Covenant; Great Commission; responding to the Holy Spirit

•       Communicate the process—acceptance is directly related to communication

•       Invite people to serve on the Invite Welcome Connect team

•       Encourage vestry buy-in, including establishing a budget for the team

•       Help to develop processes that enable connection and follow up

•       Support staff involvement and accountability

•       Share your own story and encourage others to do the same

•       Teach, preach, and model Invite Welcome Connect

CLERGY ROLE in Connecting with Newcomers

“I define connection as the energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard, and valued; when they can give and receive without judgment; and when they derive sustenance and strength from the relationship.” —Brené Brown

You cannot completely delegate Invite Welcome Connect—clergy must engage in this ministry. Below are a few suggestions for clergy best practices:

•       Be available on Sunday—wearing nametag is helpful

•       Follow up with in-town visitors within 72 hours

•       Attend all newcomer dinners/lunches or other connection forums

•       Hold staff accountable for doing their follow up

•       Teach new member classes

•       Meet for coffee or lunch with newcomers

•       Document interactions

•       Encourage the use of social media

•       Make time in staff meeting to review guests and their status

•       Make sure all Invite Welcome Connect processes are completed