• Home

printer-friendly email a friend

Welcoming Certified Congregations

Is your church a welcoming certified congregation?

There are more than 700 Official Welcoming Certified Congregations.

Welcoming is intentionally preparing to receive others where they are and helping them feel accepted through real caring and kindness. Welcoming is not the task of a committee or individual, but rather a lifestyle shared by each member of a congregation. Welcoming others is part of who we are as Christians, a gift we offer to others with no strings attached.

For the past seven years Igniting Ministry has recognized and celebrated the efforts of local churches that actively prepare to receive newcomers. When a church attains certification, it receives a nice plaque to display the efforts and a new seal to add to the plaque each year from then on.

In addition to the plaque, the church is recognized in the Find-a-Church database on the denomination's website, www.UMC.org, and at www.IgnitingMinistry.org.

For more information about how your church can become a "Welcoming Certified Congregation" call 877-281-6535 or visit www.IgnitingMinistry.org.

• Welcoming Certified Congregation Flyer (PDF)
• 10 Welcoming Ideas for Any and Every Church (PDF)

Join the movement and live out the promise of "Open hearts. Open minds. Open doors."