Meet Your New Ministry Companion: Our Invite Welcome Connect Virtual Assistant

We’re excited to introduce a new feature on the Invite Welcome Connect website that’s here to make your experience easier, more helpful—and even more prayerful.

Say hello to our new Virtual Assistant, available now on every page of invitewelcomeconnect.com. Whether you’re exploring the ministry for the first time, looking for ideas to refresh your implementation, or wondering where to find specific resources, our friendly Virtual Assistant is just one click away. Simply tap the “Ask a Question” bubble at the bottom right corner of your screen, and help is on the way.

Your Questions, Answered—Instantly

Our Virtual Assistant has been trained using the full text of the Invite Welcome Connect website as well as Mary Foster Parmer’s book, Invite Welcome Connect: Stories & Tools to Transform Your Church. That means it knows the ins and outs of the ministry, including:

• How to get started with Invite Welcome Connect

• Details about our On Demand Training, including pricing, access, and how to use it in your congregation

• Booking a Workshop or Coach

• Frequently asked questions about implementation, culture change, and getting buy-in

• Ideas for new or seasoned congregations looking to grow the ministry

• Find out if your diocese or congregation subscribes, and how to access the subscription

In fact, if your congregation is facing a specific challenge—like “How do we better welcome newcomers?” or “What if people are hesitant to invite others to church?”—the assistant can offer suggestions rooted in the spirit and structure of Invite Welcome Connect.

A Friendly and Faithful Presence

What makes this Virtual Assistant different from most is that it’s been shaped by the heart of this ministry. It’s warm, conversational, and grounded in Episcopal theology and values. It even knows how to pray with you—yes, really! If you type, “Will you pray with me?”, it will respond with a prayer of welcome, encouragement, or guidance.

Of course, it’s still learning. While it can handle most questions on its own, our team monitors every conversation to ensure quality, care, and accuracy. If a question is too complex or needs a human touch, we’ll follow up personally. And if you ever want to speak directly to someone, just tell the Virtual Assistant, “I’d like to talk to a real person.” You’ll be connected with a member of our team.

Support for the Journey

Whether you're a curious newcomer, a vestry leader, a diocesan staffer, or a long-time advocate of Invite Welcome Connect, this new tool is here to support your journey. It’s like having a ministry companion in your pocket—one that’s always ready to help, inspire, and guide.

So next time you visit invitewelcomeconnect.com, don’t be shy. Click the “Ask a Question” button and start a conversation. We believe you’ll find it to be not just a resource—but a welcome.