MISSION360 Opening the Circle

Frequently Asked Questions

The Rev’d Tania Eichler, super-experienced priest and expert at making people feel welcome answers all of your questions about welcoming. These videos supplement the excellent seminar MISSION360 Opening the Circle, part of The 360 Project family of one-day workshops available in the Anglican Church, Southern Queensland Diocese. Find out more by clicking the link in the menu above!

What does Welcome mean in the context of a parish church?

Sometimes its easy to leave welcoming to the welcomers on the door. In what ways can welcome be everyone’s responsibility?

Welcoming those who are different can be difficult, and some people in the community may feel threatened. What clues do you have to include those on the edges?

What have you noticed about fear and welcome in a church context?

Why should we even bother about welcoming new people? Shouldn’t we just cater for the people we already have in our community?

The way we welcome new people can impact the whole community. Describe what you have observed about this over your time as a parish priest.

In what ways was welcome part of Jesus’ impact on people?

What does a local parish church have to offer a modern community?

What suggestions do you have for those who are worried about change, or about introducing new people, practices, hymns, or style?

Making people feel welcome through worship is central. Are there other welcoming strategies for the wider life of your church that work well?