Invite Welcome Connect Webinar Series Begins Sept. 24
- Invite Welcome Connect
- Aug 26
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 11
A Free Webinar Series on Evangelism, Hospitality, and Belonging
Looking for fresh energy in your congregation’s ministry of invitation, hospitality, and belonging? Join us for Wednesdays with Invite Welcome Connect, a free webinar series designed for congregations of all sizes—especially small churches seeking practical, doable steps. Led by experienced trainers and ministry leaders, these interactive Zoom sessions will inspire, equip, and encourage you to extend a warmer welcome and deepen the bonds of community. Register for one or more sessions (or all of them!) and you’ll receive recordings afterward to share with your team.
Upcoming Sessions
September 24, 2:00 p.m. Eastern—Introduction to Invite Welcome Connect
Facilitator: Steve Welch, Executive Director, IWC, and a Special Guest
Curious about what Invite Welcome Connect is all about? Join us 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 parish.
October 15, 2:00 p.m. Eastern—Small Congregations Series: Hospitality as Our Compass
Presenters: Mary MacGregor & Jenni Faires (Diocese of Southwestern Virginia)“We are so small we all know each other—and we rarely have guests visit us.” Sound familiar? Mary and Jenni will explore why this mindset can keep congregations from being prepared to welcome the very people God may be sending their way. With practical tools and inspiring examples, they’ll show how small churches can make hospitality their compass for mission and growth.
November 19, 2:00 p.m. Eastern—Small Congregations Series: Walking the Way of Love Together
Presenters: Mary MacGregor & Jenni Faires (Diocese of Southwestern Virginia)
What intentional practices can small church leaders take to help newcomers truly connect? Mary and Jenni will share guiding principles, tested practices, and real-life stories to help small congregations create meaningful pathways for newcomers to become fully engaged members of the household of faith.
December 10, 7:00 p.m. Eastern—Introduction to Invite Welcome Connect
Facilitator: Steve Welch, Executive Director, IWC, and a Special Guest
If you missed the fall session (or want a refresher), join Steve Welch for another introduction to the Invite Welcome Connect framework. This webinar will provide a practical foundation for your congregation to begin imagining how invitation, welcome, and connection can become everyday practices. Clergy and lay people alike will gain insight into making their churches true beacons for evangelism, hospitality, and belonging in their communities.
January 21, 2:00 p.m. Eastern—Small Congregations Series: Steps for the Future
Presenters: Mary MacGregor & Jenni Faires (Diocese of Southwestern Virginia)
Small congregations often juggle limited resources and unique challenges—sometimes just making it from Sunday to Sunday. Invite Welcome Connect can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Mary and Jenni will introduce a tool designed especially for small congregational leaders, helping you take manageable, meaningful steps into a more connected future.
Meet Your Presenters
Canon Jenni Faires—Canon for Evangelism and Church Vitality, Diocese of Southwestern Virginia
Jenni is the primary staff resource for congregational growth and vitality. As part of her work, Jenni leads vestry retreats, consults with church leaderships, and tracks trends in the larger church. Jenni finds great joy in working with churches and loves to engage God’s people in thoughtful discussion, brainstorming, and visioning.
Mary MacGregor—Invite Welcome Connect On Demand Instructor; Retired Staff, Diocese of Texas
Mary is a nationally respected trainer and consultant for congregational vitality. She served for nearly 20 years on the bishop’s staff in the Episcopal Diocese of Texas as Canon for Congregational Vitality, retiring in 2017. She has trained leaders across more than 40 dioceses in ministry assessment, vestry life, visioning, and new church initiatives. Mary also helped found the Iona School for Ministry in Texas. She holds a BA from LSU, an M.Ed. from Southern University, and was awarded an honorary doctorate by the Seminary of the Southwest. Today, she continues to serve as an instructor for IWC On Demand and coordinates coaching for congregations nationwide.
Steve Welch—Executive Director, Invite Welcome Connect
Steve is Executive Director of Invite Welcome Connect, helping guide its mission to strengthen congregations through the practices of evangelism, hospitality, and belonging. He previously served as Canon for Communications in the Diocese of New Jersey, and before that worked in educational publishing with IEEE, ACM, Pearson, and HRW. Steve is a graduate of Texas Christian University and the New Jersey School for Ministry. He and his wife, the Rev. Geraldine Welch, live in New Jersey. Steve is also a writer, reader, gamer, craft beer fan, and enthusiastic dog-petter.
Registration Forms
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This looks like such a valuable series for small congregations. Practical steps with real-life stories are exactly what many communities need right now. I also shared some thoughts on building stronger faith-based communities here that might resonate with attendees.