Introduction
Pushing open the door of a church for the first time takes courage. What should I wear, what do I do about the offering, will anyone pressure me to commit? Many people come to the Sunday service with these questions in mind, and we want to tell them warmly that they are welcome. A church is not a place where perfect people gather, but where people seeking God's love gather. You do not need to be a Christian or to have read the Bible. These 20 verses, quoted from the World English Bible, are grouped into four themes: God's love, welcome, God's invitation and the joy of gathering. Use them in a welcome card or a letter.
God Loves You
1. John 3:16
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life."
God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, writes John. It is often called the heart of the whole Bible. God's love is not only for blameless people but for everyone, you included. Today, on your first visit to church, that love rests on you unchanged. Read all of John 3.
2. Romans 5:8
"But God commends his own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."
While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us, and God commends his own love in this, writes Paul. You are not loved after you achieve something, but as you are. If the message at the service seems hard, we would be glad if you took away just this one point. Read all of Romans 5.
3. 1 John 4:19
"We love him, because he first loved us."
We love him, because he first loved us, says John. Love begins in God. If the people at church are kind, it is not because they are better than others, but because they want to share the experience of being loved by God. We want to pass the same love on to you. Read all of 1 John 4.
4. Psalm 103:8
"Yahweh is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abundant in loving kindness."
Yahweh is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abundant in loving kindness, sings the psalm. God is not waiting to crush you. Do not worry about past mistakes or about having avoided church for a long time. Come as you are before the God full of mercy. Read all of Psalm 103.
5. Jeremiah 31:3
"Yahweh appeared of old to me, saying, “Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love. Therefore I have drawn you with loving kindness."
I have loved you with an everlasting love, God says. God's love has no beginning and no end. Before you knew him, he knew you. Even the step that brought you to the church door may have been guided by him. Receive this love without conditions, and take your time letting it find its way into your heart. Read all of Jeremiah 31.
You Are Welcome
6. Romans 15:7
"Therefore accept one another, even as Christ also accepted you, to the glory of God."
Accept one another, even as Christ also accepted you, urges Paul. The church values accepting one another. Whatever your clothes, age, background or faith, you are welcome here. Sit down without hesitation, wherever you feel most comfortable, and do not worry if you do not know the customs. Read all of Romans 15.
7. Ephesians 2:19
"So then you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and of the household of God,"
You are no longer strangers and foreigners, but of the household of God, says Paul. On a first visit you feel a little like a stranger. Yet the Bible says that in Christ anyone can belong to God's family. Today we invite you to the table of that family. Read all of Ephesians 2.
8. John 6:37
"All those whom the Father gives me will come to me. He who comes to me I will in no way throw out."
He who comes to me I will in no way throw out, Jesus said. It is a promise made by Jesus himself. Whoever you are and whatever your past, he will not turn you away. Even if you do not yet believe, even if you have questions, keep coming to church without embarrassment. Read all of John 6.
9. Luke 15:20
"“He arose, and came to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him, and was moved with compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him."
While he was still far off, his father saw him, was moved with compassion, ran, fell on his neck and kissed him. This is a scene from the parable of the prodigal son. God sees you from afar and runs to you. Your coming to church makes God glad, and he welcomes you with joy. Read all of Luke 15.
10. Psalm 36:7
"How precious is your loving kindness, God! The children of men take refuge under the shadow of your wings."
How precious is your loving kindness, God! The children of men take refuge under the shadow of your wings. When we are tired or lost, safe places are rare. A church can be a place to rest in the shadow of God's wings. May the Sunday service be a quiet shelter for you. Read all of Psalm 36.
God's Invitation
11. Revelation 3:20
"Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, then I will come in to him, and will dine with him, and he with me."
Behold, I stand at the door and knock, Jesus says; if anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and dine with him. Jesus does not enter by force; he waits for you to open. You can decide at your own pace whether to open the door of your heart. Read all of Revelation 3.
12. Matthew 11:28
"“Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest."
Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest, Jesus invites. Work, relationships, the future: everyone carries a burden. Jesus knows the one carried by the person who has come to church. During the service, set it down a little and rest. Read all of Matthew 11.
13. Isaiah 55:6
"Seek Yahweh while he may be found. Call on him while he is near."
Seek Yahweh while he may be found, call on him while he is near, says the prophet. It is never too late to seek God. When you seek him, he is already near. If you have questions, do not hesitate to ask the pastor or people at church. Read all of Isaiah 55.
14. John 1:12
"But as many as received him, to them he gave the right to become God’s children, to those who believe in his name:"
To as many as received him, he gave the right to become God's children, writes John. We become God's children not by fine deeds but by simple trust: receiving Jesus. You do not need to decide today. Take time to read the Bible and come to services, and you will find your answer. Read all of John 1.
15. Psalm 34:8
"Oh taste and see that Yahweh is good. Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him."
Oh taste and see that Yahweh is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him, says the psalm. To taste is to experience. Try it once: the songs, the prayer, the message. Many people discover God's grace through experience more than through understanding. Read all of Psalm 34.
The Joy of Gathering Together
16. Psalm 84:10
"For a day in your courts is better than a thousand. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness."
A day in your courts is better than a thousand, says the psalmist. Time spent in God's house is a precious pause in our busy days. May the memory of your first visit become a good one. We look forward to seeing you again next Sunday. Read all of Psalm 84.
17. Psalm 100:4
"Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him, and bless his name."
Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise, says the psalm. A service is a time when we gather to thank and praise God. If you cannot sing some songs, you can simply listen. Sitting and listening quietly is already real participation. Read all of Psalm 100.
18. Psalm 133:1
"See how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to live together in unity!"
See how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to live together in unity! A church is a surprising place where people of different ages and backgrounds meet. After the service, at tea time and conversation, do not hesitate to come and talk. A new encounter may add color to your days. Read all of Psalm 133.
19. Acts 2:46-47
"Day by day, continuing steadfastly with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread at home, they took their food with gladness and singleness of heart, praising God, and having favor with all the people. The Lord added to the assembly day by day those who were being saved."
The first Christians broke bread at home and took their food with gladness and singleness of heart, praising God. A church is not only a service; it is a community that supports one another through meals and conversation. You too can be part of that fellowship, and you are always welcome. Read all of Acts 2.
20. Psalm 95:1
"Oh come, let’s sing to Yahweh. Let’s shout aloud to the rock of our salvation!"
Oh come, let's sing to Yahweh, let's shout aloud to the rock of our salvation! The time of praise is one of the great pleasures of the service. Do not worry if you cannot carry a tune. Humming from the heart is enough to please God. Come back whenever you like. Read all of Psalm 95.
Further reading
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I wear for a first visit to church?
In most churches everyday clothes are fine. Some come in a suit or a dress, others dress casually. If in doubt, choose something simple and clean. You can also check the church website to get a sense of the atmosphere.
Will I be asked for money or to commit?
A visitor is not asked for an offering; giving is a free gift from the congregation. No one will rush you to become a member either. Come to a few services first, listen to the message, then think about it at your own pace. If you are unsure, ask at the welcome desk.
Can I come to a service without being a Christian?
Yes. Many churches welcome everyone, whether or not they have faith. You do not need to have read the Bible or know the hymns. Sitting and listening quietly is already enough participation.