Nothing terribly objectionable other than the content doesn’t really justify a book. Prescriptions are to have a user friendly (and accurate) website, good signage, take safety and cleanliness seriously, and have a large greeter ministry. This is better served as a long form article, a series of blog posts, or maybe as an appendix in a more holistic book like 9 Marks of a Healthy Church. ( )

A book that is practical in the age it was written, Thom Rainer's Becoming a Welcoming Church reminds us that a longtime member's experience of church is nowhere close to a first time visitor, and that the church that is intentional about true hospitality should be thoughtful on every step of interaction along the way; from website to parking lot to before and after service.

I can't help but to think how later generations will find this book archaic; already we are in the age where church websites are becoming dinosaurs, and Rainer's insistence about graphic design signage and other items are based more in the marketing of our age(and suburban/upper class wealth) than in historic church growth. Nevertheless, the ethos of the book is one that can give us a positive way to look forward and to think about how a church stops being the holy huddle and starts being a house of hospitality. ( )

Awesome book, an easy and enjoyable read, packed full of great and challenging ideas to help your church and/or organization become a welcome environment ( )

Rainer has presented a game plan for churches to become more hospitable, a guide toward a practical framework for making a difference for those visiting their church. Good for group study or individual reading