The Seventh-day Adventist Church has officially published many encouraging statements, from Church Manual to Fundamental Beliefs, welcoming all people.

In practice, however, Adventist churches at times have been exclusive and repellent. We have closed doors to people who didn’t behave like us or think like us or look like us. We have cared more about being right than about being kind. We have confused acceptance with agreement. We have been too motivated by fear. We have turned away thirsty seekers of the free water of life.

Now is the time to be more intentional concerning the openness and warmth of our local church climates. We are pleased to share the new Adventist Church Welcoming Statements (AdventistChurchWelcomingStatements.org) website. As important as a mission or vision, a welcoming statement gives the church a face.

Church leaders and members are encouraged to visit this new site to find biblical inspiration for creating a welcoming statement, a list of actual welcoming statements, and tips for creating a welcoming statement for each church.

In this time of authentic revival and reformation, when the fresh wind of the Holy Spirit blows where it will, any movement by Seventh-day Adventist congregations toward hospitality is something to celebrate!

AdventSource shares (see below) suggestions on how to get the word out to church pastors and leaders:

Sample Email Announcement

Is your congregation happily open to having all people attend worship services, Bible studies, Sabbath School classes, potlucks, and prayer meetings? Does this invitation include people of every race, appearance, belief system, sexual orientation, nation, gender, economic level, age, and ability? If the answer is "Yes," now is the time to craft a welcoming statement to show that your church is a safe space for everyone. Visit AdventistChurchWelcomingStatements.org to get started.

Sample Facebook Post

Is your congregation happily open to having all people attend? Does this invitation include people of every race, appearance, belief system, sexual orientation, nation, gender, economic level, age, and ability? If the answer is "Yes," now is the time to craft a welcoming statement to show that your church is a safe space for everyone. Visit AdventistChurchWelcomingStatements.org to get started.

Sample Tweet

Is your church a safe space for everyone? If the answer is "Yes," now is the time to craft a welcoming statement. Visit AdventistChurchWelcomingStatements.org to get started.