By Sue Park-Hur
Sue Park-Hur urges churches to embrace diverse, Christlike hospitality during Advent and the new year – and highlights a practical checklist to help leaders create welcoming spaces.
Sue Park-Hur is the director of racial/ethnic engagement for Mennonite Church USA. She is also a member of the Women in Leadership steering committee. Sue co-directs ReconciliAsian, a peace center in Los Angeles specializing in conflict transformation and restorative justice for immigrant churches. A former co-lead pastor and co-church planter, her passion is to see the church living out the shalom of the gospel. Sue is trained in Intercultural Development Inventory and is a Strategies for Trauma Awareness and Resilience (STAR) practitioner.
Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bring your children from the east and gather you from the west. – Isaiah 43:5
The holidays are a season of gathering; family, friends, neighbors and even strangers may walk through your church doors. As we prepare for Advent and the new year, let’s pause and reflect: Are we truly ready to welcome them in the way Christ welcomes us?
1. Recognize the diversity among us
Christmas reminds us of God’s love for all people. Does your congregation reflect that love by acknowledging the diversity within your congregation — cultural, ethnic, racial, gender, sexual orientation, abilities, socioeconomic and age? Hospitality begins with seeing and valuing every person as a beloved child of God.
2. Who shapes the holiday experience?
Welcome is more than warm smiles by the door. It is also expressed in who gets to shape the services. Do the voices planning worship events reflect the diversity of those in the pews? Representation in leadership in the front and behind the scenes is critical in creating spaces of true belonging.
3. What do our traditions communicate?
Advent and Christmas traditions, such as music, language, decoration, imagery and storytelling, speak volumes about who we are. Mennonite traditions and theology often emphasize simplicity, peace and community. How do these values show up in your worship? Do the hymns, visuals and practices reflect the breadth of your congregation and the neighborhoods where you serve?
4. Protect the vulnerable
For many, the holidays can be stressful. Those living under threat, especially in communities impacted by ICE activity, housing instability or financial strain, may feel most vulnerable. Does your church have an action plan to support the most vulnerable? True welcome includes safety and advocacy.
God of welcome and wonder,
You gathered shepherds and wise travelers,
the young and the weary,
the joyful and afraid
to witness Your good news of great joy.
Make room in us for Your widening love.
Open our eyes to the people we overlook,
our doors to the neighbors we have not yet met,
and our hearts to those who seek
a place of true belonging and rest.
—Sue Park-Hur
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Holiday hospitality checklist for church leaders
- Greeters: Are they trained to welcome people of all backgrounds with kindness and cultural awareness?
- Worship planning team: Are diverse voices included in shaping the liturgy and celebration?
- Music and language: Are songs and readings accessible, multilingual and intergenerational in ways that reflect the congregation?
- Visuals and decorations: Do they reflect the diversity of your congregation and avoid cultural stereotypes?
- Accessibility: Is your physical and digital space welcoming for people with disabilities (ramps, seating, hearing assistance)?
- Safety plan: Do you have a clear response plan to support those facing crisis or threat?
- Follow-up: How will you connect with visitors after the holidays?