Most churches confuse friendliness with familiarity. Being warm with those you already know is easy, but real hospitality welcomes those who feel unseen. True friendliness means noticing, inviting, and including people who are new so that no one stands alone.

Most churches are “nose blind” to the way their facilities smell and look. First impressions matter, so invite a trusted outsider to give honest feedback about odors, cobwebs, clutter, and neglected spaces. Stewardship means creating a space that feels cared for and welcoming.

Some of the best ministry I’ve ever been part of didn’t happen on a stage—it happened around a table. No program. No timer. Just food, Scripture, and people showing up for each other. Maybe what your church needs isn’t more events. Maybe it just needs more presence."