It happens far too often: a pastoral couple arrives in a new church and community, only to be left on their own to figure out the best stores, service providers, and local attractions.
In the business world, companies like Welcome Wagon gather coupons and recommendations to help new residents settle in. At the Piñon Hills Church, we thought, Why shouldn’t the church do the same?
So, when Pastor Steve and Samantha Nelson joined our district, we set out to welcome them with warmth, laughter and a little bit of local flavor.
We asked them to tell us when they could be available for a “surprise” party. The social committee then planned a get-acquainted ice cream social. Members brought finger foods, while the committee supplied the ice cream and toppings. They also transformed the fellowship hall with a festive décor to set the tone for the celebration. All four churches in the district were invited, and many came to join the fun. We had each person wear a name tag to make it easier on Steve and Samantha, as well as on members who might not know someone from one of the other churches in the district.
To help the Nelsons discover their new surroundings, we gathered gift cards to local restaurants and specialty shops. No offense to the more well-known national chains, but we wanted to introduce them to what was available and unique to their new hometown. We also included a couple of pretend gift cards —one to a local marijuana dispensary and another to an all-you-can-eat bacon breakfast—just to keep things lighthearted. We even gave them a $25 off coupon for the Cadillac of their choice at our local Cadillac dealer.
In that same spirit, we read a few short “letters” from Steve’s alleged former probation officer and bookie from his last district. It was all in fun, of course, and helped break the ice with some good laughs.
But the welcome went deeper, too. Members contributed business cards for their favorite mechanics, hairdressers and medical providers. Others offered hand-written dinner invitations or personal tours to Mesa Verde National Park and other local attractions. We added brochures from the Convention & Visitors Bureau to round out the welcome basket with ideas for hiking trails and day trips.
To help everyone connect, we played two group games, “Mix and Match” and “This or That,” which gave us a chance to learn about the Nelsons and each other in a relaxed and joyful way. It’s a cliché to say “a good time was had by all,” but in this case, it really fits.
Pastor Steve later shared, “Our move to New Mexico has been filled with many challenges and uncertainties, and it seems like the churches here really understood this. The celebration given to welcome us went far beyond the expected. We are amazed and humbled by the compassion and kindness we’ve received. Our hearts are full of love and appreciation to God and our wonderful new church family.”
Samantha added, “We were so surprised by the outpouring of love, kindness, generosity and hospitality. The welcome party was a lot of fun, and we were touched by the great sense of humor among the congregations. We already feel blessed, loved and appreciated!”
We hope other churches will catch on to this idea and find creative ways to help new pastors settle in. While you’re at it, why not extend the same welcome to teachers, their families, and even new members who’ve relocated? You only get one chance to make a first impression. Why not make it a joyful and lasting one?
If you’d like a copy of the get-acquainted games or have other questions, email Ron at RPrice@BiblicalPeacemakers.org.
Ron Price is an elder at the Pinon Hills Seventh-day Adventist Church in Farmington, New Mexico. He is the co-founder of the Institute for Biblical Peacemakers and author of three books in his PLAY NICE in Your Sandbox series.
