6 Reasons Why the Church Can Be Unwelcoming and Unfriendly

Despite God's loving nature and the principles and instructions about love and hospitality in Scripture, we all know there are some churches we will visit where we will not feel welcome. So why is that?

Robert Hampshire

Published Apr 03, 2023

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Sadly, the place that many people feel the least welcome is not in a business or home but in a church building. This even leads to some people leaving the church.

So if you are in a church that you do not think is particularly welcoming and hospitable to you, but you think you need to be there for other reasons, then maybe if you take the first step and initiate a conversation or connection instead of waiting on someone else (so go and be the neighbor), then you just might discover that others are in the same boat of immaturity, ignorance, introversion, intimidation, etc. and our hospitality might make a friend!

And as the writer of Hebrews tells us, when we show hospitality to strangers, we might even be "entertaining angels" without even knowing it! (Hebrews 13:2).

Originally published April 03, 2023.

Robert Hampshire is a pastor, teacher, writer, and leader. He has been married to Rebecca since 2008 and has four children: Brooklyn, Bryson, Abram, and Aubrey. He earned his Bachelors in Psychology from North Greenville University and Masters in Religion from Liberty University. He has served as a pastor in the areas of worship and music, youth, family, and discipleship as well as lead pastor of a church plant. He now pastors in South Carolina. Robert furthers his ministry through his blog, and YouTube channel. His desire is to help others live well and lead well. Find out more about him here.

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