How to Build a Welcoming Church That Points People to Jesus
On June 28, 2026, I had the privilege of speaking at Cedar Falls Christian Church from Hebrews 10:24. The message began with a simple question that every believer and every congregation should ask on a regular basis:
Are we helping people move toward Jesus—or are we unintentionally standing in their way?
That question shaped the entire morning.
A welcoming church isn’t simply a church with friendly greeters or a warm smile at the front door. A welcoming church is one that intentionally removes barriers so people can encounter the love of Christ. Every ministry, every tradition, every decision, and every interaction should ultimately answer one question:
Is this helping people move closer to Jesus?
Ministry Belongs to Every Believer
Hebrews 10:24 begins with two simple words:
“And let us…”
Those words remind us that ministry is not reserved for pastors, elders, or ministry leaders.
It belongs to every follower of Christ.
Sometimes we unintentionally convince ourselves that evangelism is someone else’s responsibility or that hospitality belongs only to those serving at the welcome desk.
Scripture paints a very different picture.
Every believer has been called to notice people, encourage people, and help people take another step toward Christ.
Technology has given us incredible tools for ministry. We can livestream services, invite friends through social media, and stay connected throughout the week.
But while those tools are valuable, they should never replace personal relationships.
A Facebook friend is not the same as biblical fellowship.
A “like” is not the same as listening.
A comment is not the same as compassion.
People are often reached through relationships long before they’re reached through sermons.
A welcoming church understands that genuine connection still happens one conversation at a time.
Looking Beyond First Impressions
One of the most memorable moments of Sunday’s message happened before I even started preaching.
Instead of wearing the clothes many people might expect a preacher to wear, I intentionally stepped onto the platform wearing shorts and a T-shirt.
The goal wasn’t to be controversial.
The goal was to invite all of us—including myself—to examine how quickly we form opinions based on appearances.
Before hearing a single word, some people likely had already formed a conclusion.
Isn’t that exactly what can happen when someone visits church for the first time?
We notice clothing.
Hair.
Tattoos.
Piercings.
Appearance.
Before we’ve learned their name…
Before we’ve heard their story…
Before we’ve discovered what brought them through our doors…
We’ve already begun evaluating them.
But Hebrews tells us to consider one another.
That means paying careful attention to people—not simply noticing how they look, but caring about who they are.
A welcoming church looks beyond appearances and sees people the way Christ sees them.
Fear Can Keep the Church from Serving
Another challenge facing many churches today isn’t a lack of opportunities.
It’s fear.
Someone suggests a new outreach.
Someone proposes serving a family in crisis.
Someone identifies a need in the community.
Almost immediately the questions begin.
“What if it fails?”
“What if nobody comes?”
“What if people take advantage of us?”
“What if something goes wrong?”
Wisdom matters.
Planning matters.
Stewardship matters.
But fear should never become the primary voice directing the mission of the church.
Too often we spend so much time protecting ourselves that we miss the opportunities God has already placed in front of us.
The church was never called to be known for finding reasons not to serve.
It should be known for finding ways to serve.
Fear builds fences.
Faith builds bridges.
A welcoming church trusts God enough to step through the doors He opens instead of waiting for guarantees.
Love Is the Destination
Hebrews doesn’t simply tell us what to think.
It tells us where we’re headed.
Toward love.
Toward good deeds.
Love notices people.
Love welcomes people.
Love listens.
Love sacrifices.
Love serves.
Good deeds are simply love made visible.
Churches can have beautiful buildings, excellent music, and outstanding programs.
Those things matter.
But Jesus said the world would recognize His followers by their love.
Imagine what would happen if every visitor experienced grace before judgment.
Imagine if every lonely person found genuine friendship.
Imagine if every struggling family discovered hope instead of criticism.
That’s the kind of welcoming church Hebrews calls us to become.
Why This Message Matters
Across our communities, countless people are searching for hope.
Many have been hurt by churches.
Others assume they won’t fit in.
Some are carrying shame.
Some are wrestling with addiction.
Some simply wonder if anyone would notice them if they walked through the front doors.
The church has an incredible opportunity to answer those questions with the love of Christ.
Every ministry should be evaluated by one simple question:
Is this helping people move closer to Jesus?
Or is it unintentionally creating another obstacle?
When we become a welcoming church, we become a place where people experience not just acceptance from others, but the transforming grace of God.
Speaking Engagement Context
Wesley Farnsworth shared this message at Cedar Falls Christian Church on June 28, 2026. His speaking ministry focuses on faith, recovery, identity, leadership, and helping churches create environments where people encounter the hope of Jesus through practical, biblical teaching.
Call to Action
This week, ask yourself one honest question:
Am I helping people move toward Jesus—or am I unintentionally making the journey more difficult?
Look for one opportunity to encourage someone.
Invite someone to church.
Start a conversation.
Listen to someone’s story.
Remove one barrier.
Build one bridge.
Because every act of love helps someone move one step closer to Christ.
Watch the sermon:
About Wesley Farnsworth
Wesley Farnsworth is a Christian speaker, author, and host of the Unmasked podcast. Through preaching, writing, and speaking, he encourages individuals and churches to embrace authentic faith, cultivate meaningful relationships, and help others discover hope through Jesus Christ.
