Customer Reviews

Radical Welcome: Embracing God, the Other and the Spirit of Transformation

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Stephanie Spellers writes of and helps us plan for congregations who offer hospitality "Jesus' style". Idealism is tempered by truth-telling. Radical Welcome is hard work, but it is necessary to renew and spark growth in churches that find themselves clinging to the past, and dying because of it. Spellers is an Episcopal priest, and the book is targeted for that denomination, however it can be used by anyone in any church who wishes to make their altar/table open to all God's people.

This lively, engaging book is full of practical ways, drawn from a diverse array of local congregations, to make any congregation more welcoming. Spellers helps sort out the unconscious (and deliberate) habits of congregations which keep the doors effectively closed, and which contribute to a lack of spiritual hospitality. The book keeps the goal of welcoming all people to church before us in thoughtful ways. Easy to read in small bites, but the reflections endure.

As a rector of a growing family-sized parish in the suburb, I found this book full of wonderful hope and excellent challenges. Spellers invites us to faithfully leap towards Christ, but she also invites us to let Christ change our hearts, our community and our church in surprising ways. Radical Welcome opens a door into the church that I believe Jesus wants -- a churched transformed and resurrected by the new work the Spirit is bringing.
I love the stories and experiences that this book brings together; it provides a great spoonful of sugar that is so helpful in small groups and vestries. Don't hesitate -- add this to your cart right now!

This book was recommended through our church's synod office as a read for revitalizing our congregation. I ordered through Amazon.com at a discount and the product came within a few days. The service is great.