Churches to give BIG welcome to visitors

Methodist, Elim and Baptists churches are planning on giving visitors a BIG welcome this September.

The BIG Welcome campaign encourages Christians to "invite someone they know to something they love".

Whether the event is a church service, a meal at a restaurant or a program at a gym, the BIG Welcome is hoping to see 3,000 people get involved with church activities on Sunday 23 September 2012.

Started by the Baptist Union of Great Britain in 2010, the BIG Welcome saw 280 churches partner together last year.

This year the resources are based around the parable of the prodigal son and have been designed to help churches think creatively. One suggestion is instead of inviting people to a church service, churches could hold a different Big Welcome event like a curry or quiz night.

Mark Wakelin, President Elect of the Methodist Conference 2012-2013, wants Methodist churches to take part.

“I'd like to encourage you to be part of the BIG Welcome, and to be bolder and to trust that God can work through you, as he can work through me, in making people feel loved and wanted in a big wide world, where so much of the time we don't feel that at all.”

“The BIG Welcome is a hugely important initiative," said John Glass, General Suprintendent of Elim Pentecostal Churches.

“It is a catalyst for inviting friends and neighbours to hear and experience the message of the gospel at any time of year. I would encourage every church in the UK to embrace the concept of this great initiative and make it their own.”

Ian Bunce, Head of the Mission Department at the Baptist Union of Great Britain, said “We are excited that this year we are doing the BIG Welcome in partnership with our friends from Elim and the Methodist Church. With resources based around the story of the prodigal, we are using the image of a puzzle piece to say to people, there is a space for you."

Find out more information on TheBigWelcome.org