What a blessing it is to reflect on 40+ Bible Verses About Welcoming Visitors In Church! These verses offer hope, encouragement, and a reminder that showing kindness to newcomers mirrors God’s own welcoming heart. Welcoming others isn’t just about shaking hands — it’s a sacred invitation to share God’s love, creating a space where every soul feels valued and embraced.
While the Bible doesn’t always give direct instructions on church greetings, it overflows with wisdom on hospitality, compassion, and grace. This article gathers meaningful scriptures to help guide your heart and actions as you welcome visitors into God’s house. Let these verses inspire you, shape your spirit, and remind you of the transformative power that comes when we open our hearts to others!
What Does the Bible Say About Welcoming Visitors In Church?
The Bible speaks clearly about the importance of welcoming visitors with open hearts and genuine kindness. In Hebrews 13:2, it says, “Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.” This verse reminds us that every visitor could be a blessing in disguise, and welcoming them is an act of faith and love.
Jesus Himself set the perfect example of welcoming others, often dining with strangers and showing compassion to those in need. In Matthew 25:35, He said, “I was a stranger and you invited me in.” This teaches us that welcoming visitors is not just a social courtesy but a spiritual responsibility that honors Christ.
The early church in Acts also emphasized hospitality. Acts 16:15 tells of Lydia, who welcomed Paul and his companions into her home after hearing the gospel. Her willingness to open her doors helped build community and spread faith. This shows how welcoming visitors can lead to deeper fellowship and spiritual growth.
Welcoming visitors is more than a friendly gesture; it is a biblical command rooted in love and service. Romans 12:13 encourages believers to “Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” Through these verses and examples, we learn that the church becomes a true home when visitors feel seen, valued, and embraced.
The List of 40+ Bible Verses About Welcoming Visitors In Church
1. How to Greet Visitors at Church
Purpose:
Welcoming visitors starts with a warm, genuine greeting. These verses remind us that kindness, love, and sincerity matter when meeting someone new at church.
📖 Romans 15:7
“Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.”
Explanation:
This verse teaches that our welcome should reflect Christ’s love. We are not simply being friendly; we are mirroring the acceptance Jesus showed us. Greeting visitors becomes a way to glorify God, showing them they are seen, valued, and loved. It encourages the church family to open their hearts wide, making every newcomer feel included.
📖 Hebrews 13:2
“Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.”
Explanation:
Welcoming strangers carries deep spiritual meaning. This verse reminds us that God often works in unseen ways, and every act of hospitality matters. When we greet someone kindly, we open the door for blessings we might not even recognize. Visitors are not interruptions; they are opportunities to reflect God’s goodness.
📖 1 Peter 4:9
“Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.”
Explanation:
True hospitality isn’t forced or reluctant. This verse challenges us to offer our welcome with a cheerful, willing spirit. Complaining or feeling burdened by guests takes away the joy of serving God. When visitors walk into church, they should sense genuine love and gladness, not cold duty.
📖 Matthew 25:35
“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me.”
Explanation:
Jesus identifies Himself with the stranger and the outsider. Welcoming visitors becomes an act of serving Christ directly. This verse encourages believers to see beyond appearances and recognize that every visitor offers a chance to practice deep compassion. It’s not just about small talk; it’s about showing Christ’s heart.
📖 Leviticus 19:34
“The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself…”
Explanation:
God’s command to love the foreigner as yourself highlights the importance of inclusivity. Visitors, no matter their background, deserve warmth and respect. This verse urges the church to break down barriers and extend equal love to everyone who walks through the doors, reflecting the heart of God’s kingdom.
📖 Philippians 2:4
“Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”
Explanation:
A welcoming heart is others-focused. This verse calls believers to look beyond their own comfort and focus on meeting the needs of newcomers. When visitors enter the church, they should feel the church family’s genuine interest in their lives, showing the selfless love Christ modeled.
📖 Colossians 3:12
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people… clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”
Explanation:
Greeting visitors isn’t just about words — it’s about attitude and heart posture. This verse reminds us to wrap ourselves in kindness and humility, creating an atmosphere where newcomers feel safe and valued. Our greeting reflects God’s character and draws people closer to Him.
📖 James 2:1
“My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism.”
Explanation:
Welcoming visitors means welcoming everyone equally. This verse warns against favoritism, urging believers to extend the same love to all. Whether someone is well-dressed or struggling, they deserve a sincere, loving greeting that shows they are accepted just as they are.
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2. Making Visitors Feel Comfortable
Purpose:
Once visitors step inside, the goal is to make them feel at home. These verses highlight the importance of creating a space of peace, love, and acceptance where hearts can open to God’s message.
📖 Romans 12:13
“Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”
Explanation:
Hospitality is more than politeness; it’s about sharing life and care. This verse reminds the church to be intentional in welcoming visitors, offering practical kindness and emotional warmth. Creating comfort helps open hearts to God’s Word.
📖 Galatians 6:2
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
Explanation:
Helping visitors feel comfortable means being sensitive to their struggles. This verse encourages believers to walk alongside others, offering support and understanding. When visitors sense genuine care, they feel safe and valued in the church community.
📖 2 Corinthians 1:4
“He comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble…”
Explanation:
God’s comfort to us equips us to comfort others. This verse reminds believers that welcoming visitors isn’t only about smiling faces but also about offering the same comfort we’ve received from God. Visitors should feel the warmth of God’s healing presence.
📖 Proverbs 17:17
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.”
Explanation:
Friendship and support are key to helping visitors feel at ease. This verse shows the beauty of constant, reliable love. Welcoming newcomers with the mindset of friendship helps ease their worries and fosters connection.
📖 1 John 4:19
“We love because he first loved us.”
Explanation:
Our ability to love and welcome others flows from God’s love for us. This verse centers the church’s welcome on God’s grace. By making visitors feel loved, we reflect the deep, transformative love that God has already poured into our hearts.
📖 Luke 10:27
“‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'”
Explanation:
Loving visitors as we love ourselves creates an atmosphere of equality and respect. This verse pushes us to consider what we would want if we were newcomers — kindness, attention, and welcome — and offer that freely to others.
📖 1 Thessalonians 5:11
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up…”
Explanation:
Encouragement lifts people’s spirits. This verse calls believers to speak words that strengthen and build up, helping visitors feel seen and appreciated. A church where encouragement flows naturally will always make newcomers feel comfortable.
📖 Proverbs 12:25
“Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.”
Explanation:
Many visitors may come carrying unseen burdens or worries. This verse reminds the church that kind words have power — they lift heavy hearts and bring light into dark places. Offering cheerful, kind words can transform a visitor’s experience.
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3. Bible Verses on Hospitality
Purpose:
Hospitality is a sacred act in the Christian life. These verses emphasize welcoming others with generosity, kindness, and open hearts, showing God’s love in practical ways. Hospitality builds community and reflects God’s grace.
📖 1 Timothy 3:2
“Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach.”
Explanation:
Hospitality is not just a casual virtue but a key mark of godly leadership. This verse highlights that those who lead God’s people must practice hospitality sincerely. Welcoming others warmly creates an environment where teaching and growth can thrive. It shows that care for people goes hand in hand with spiritual responsibility.
📖 Titus 1:8
“Rather, he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined.”
Explanation:
Again, hospitality is listed among essential qualities for leaders, showing its deep importance in the Christian walk. It’s a reflection of love for good and self-discipline, meaning hospitality isn’t random but intentional and holy. Serving others openly welcomes God’s blessings in the church community.
📖 Hebrews 13:2
“Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.”
Explanation:
This verse encourages us to see hospitality as more than social duty — it is a spiritual encounter. Welcoming strangers may bring blessings beyond our understanding. It reminds the church that every visitor could be part of God’s greater plan, urging us to open our hearts without hesitation.
📖 Romans 12:13
“Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”
Explanation:
Hospitality involves meeting needs and sharing resources generously. This verse encourages believers to be proactive in welcoming others, not just when convenient but as a regular part of Christian life. Such openness strengthens bonds and shows God’s love through actions.
📖 1 Peter 4:9
“Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.”
Explanation:
True hospitality flows from a willing heart. Complaining or doing it out of obligation strips hospitality of its meaning. This verse reminds us that genuine hospitality reflects God’s joyful love and blesses both giver and receiver when done with gladness.
📖 Matthew 25:35
“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me.”
Explanation:
Jesus identifies with the needy and the stranger, making hospitality an act of serving Him directly. This verse calls the church to see visitors as Christ Himself, which transforms how we welcome others—from a duty to a sacred privilege filled with spiritual significance.
📖 Luke 14:12-13
“When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or sisters, your relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind.”
Explanation:
This passage teaches radical hospitality—inviting and serving those who cannot repay us. It calls believers to a love that goes beyond social convenience, reaching out especially to the marginalized. Hospitality in the church should be inclusive and sacrificial, reflecting God’s heart.
📖 Proverbs 22:9
“The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.”
Explanation:
Generosity in hospitality brings blessing. This verse links sharing with others, especially those in need, to receiving God’s favor. Hospitality is not just about etiquette; it is a spiritual investment that reflects God’s provision and care for all people.
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4. Extending an Invitation to Return
Purpose:
Welcoming visitors is just the beginning. Encouraging them to come back helps build lasting relationships and a thriving church family. These verses inspire believers to invite with love and hope for continued fellowship.
📖 Revelation 3:20
“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.”
Explanation:
This verse shows God’s longing for ongoing relationship, symbolized by fellowship at the table. Extending an invitation to return is inviting people into deeper communion with God and the church community. It encourages believers to warmly open the door again and again.
📖 Hebrews 10:25
“Not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
Explanation:
Regular fellowship strengthens faith and unity. This verse reminds the church of the importance of gathering consistently. Inviting visitors to return encourages them to be part of a supportive spiritual family, growing together in faith and love.
📖 Psalm 84:10
“Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.”
Explanation:
This verse expresses the joy and privilege of being in God’s presence. Inviting visitors to come back highlights the value of worship and community. It helps them understand that the church is not just a building, but a place of spiritual richness worth returning to.
📖 John 14:23
“Jesus replied, ‘Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.'”
Explanation:
Returning to church is a step toward making God’s presence a home in one’s life. This verse encourages believers to invite visitors into a lasting relationship with God through ongoing fellowship and obedience. It speaks of spiritual intimacy that grows with continued commitment.
📖 Acts 2:42
“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.”
Explanation:
The early church’s commitment to gathering regularly is a powerful example. Inviting visitors to return connects them with the foundation of Christian community—learning, worship, and prayer. It encourages new believers to become active participants in the church family.
📖 Psalm 27:4
“One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life…”
Explanation:
This verse reveals a deep desire to be continually present in God’s house. Inviting visitors to come back nurtures this longing. It helps them find a spiritual home where they can grow, find peace, and experience God’s presence regularly.
📖 Colossians 3:16
“Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom…”
Explanation:
Regular church attendance fosters rich spiritual growth. This verse encourages believers to invite others to be part of this nurturing environment where wisdom and encouragement flow freely. It reminds visitors that returning means entering a community focused on Christ’s message.
📖 Psalm 122:1
“I rejoiced with those who said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord.'”
Explanation:
The joy of gathering with fellow believers is powerful and contagious. This verse highlights the excitement that comes with going to church. Inviting visitors to return invites them into this joyful experience of worship and fellowship, which can transform their spiritual journey.
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5. Following Up After Their Visit
Purpose:
Following up with visitors after their first visit shows genuine care and helps build trust. It creates a connection that encourages them to feel valued and welcomed, turning a one-time visit into a lasting relationship within the church family.
📖 Romans 12:10
“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.”
Explanation:
This verse highlights the importance of genuine love and respect in relationships. Following up is a practical way to show visitors that they matter to the church community. By honoring their presence and making the effort to connect, you build a foundation of trust and belonging.
📖 Philippians 2:4
“Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”
Explanation:
Taking the time to reach out after a visit demonstrates care beyond personal convenience. This verse encourages believers to actively consider others’ needs and feelings. Following up shows that the church is attentive and values each person’s spiritual journey.
📖 Galatians 6:2
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
Explanation:
Following up offers an opportunity to support visitors emotionally and spiritually. It allows the church to listen and help carry their burdens, fulfilling Christ’s command to love one another deeply. This creates a caring environment that encourages visitors to return.
📖 1 Thessalonians 5:11
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
Explanation:
Encouragement is essential in growing faith and community. Following up enables the church to build visitors up through words of affirmation and support. This verse reminds us that continual encouragement strengthens relationships and deepens spiritual commitment.
📖 Hebrews 13:16
“And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”
Explanation:
Reaching out after a visit is a good deed that reflects God’s pleasure. It is a small but meaningful sacrifice of time and attention that shows Christ’s love in action. This follow-up effort can make visitors feel truly welcomed and appreciated.
📖 Matthew 25:40
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’”
Explanation:
When the church follows up with visitors, it is serving Christ Himself. This verse reminds believers that acts of kindness and attention to others are acts of worship. Following up is a way to demonstrate that every visitor is valued as part of God’s family.
📖 Colossians 3:12
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”
Explanation:
Compassion and kindness are essential qualities in follow-up interactions. This verse encourages believers to approach visitors with a gentle and patient spirit, making them feel safe and accepted. Such attitudes create a warm, welcoming environment that draws visitors back.
📖 James 1:19
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.”
Explanation:
Effective follow-up requires good listening skills and patience. This verse reminds the church to be attentive and understanding when engaging with visitors. By listening well, the church can better meet their needs and help them feel truly heard and cared for.
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6. Welcoming Visitors into God’s Family
Purpose:
Welcoming visitors into God’s family goes beyond the first greeting—it’s about helping them find their place in the church community and grow spiritually. These verses inspire believers to embrace newcomers as brothers and sisters in Christ.
📖 Ephesians 2:19
“Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household.”
Explanation:
This verse reassures visitors that in Christ, they belong. Welcoming someone into God’s family means helping them transition from outsider to beloved member. It’s an invitation to share fully in the blessings and responsibilities of the church community.
📖 Romans 8:15
“The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, ‘Abba, Father.’”
Explanation:
Being welcomed into God’s family means receiving the Spirit of adoption. This verse highlights the intimate relationship believers now enjoy with God as their Father. Helping visitors understand this new identity fosters a deep sense of belonging and security.
📖 1 John 3:1
“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!”
Explanation:
God’s love is the foundation of our identity as His children. Welcoming visitors into this truth transforms their understanding of themselves and their value. The church’s role is to reflect this love and help newcomers embrace their identity in Christ.
📖 Galatians 3:28
“There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
Explanation:
This verse highlights the unity that God’s family shares beyond all earthly divisions. Welcoming visitors means celebrating diversity and fostering unity. It’s a call to break down barriers and embrace all people as equal members of the body of Christ.
📖 John 1:12
“Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”
Explanation:
Accepting Christ grants a new spiritual family membership. Welcoming visitors into God’s family means inviting them to receive Jesus and experience this transformation. It’s a joyous invitation to become part of something eternal and life-changing.
📖 Hebrews 12:22-23
“But you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem… to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven.”
Explanation:
This verse describes the church as God’s heavenly family. Welcoming visitors means helping them see the church as more than a building—it is their spiritual home with eternal significance. This understanding encourages commitment and belonging.
📖 Colossians 1:18
“He is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.”
Explanation:
Christ is the head of God’s family, the church. Welcoming visitors involves pointing them to Jesus as the leader and source of life in the community. This connection gives the church its strength and unity and invites newcomers to follow Christ wholeheartedly.
📖 1 Corinthians 12:12
“Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ.”
Explanation:
This verse teaches that the church is a diverse yet united body. Welcoming visitors means recognizing their unique gifts and roles within God’s family. It encourages every newcomer to find their place and contribute to the church’s mission and health.
Conclusion
Welcoming visitors in church is more than just a friendly gesture—it is a reflection of God’s love and hospitality. These Bible verses show us how to greet visitors warmly, make them comfortable, invite them back, follow up with care, and embrace them as part of God’s family. By practicing these principles, churches can create a welcoming atmosphere that encourages new relationships and spiritual growth.
When we welcome visitors according to God’s Word, it strengthens the whole church community. Showing kindness, offering guidance, and following up builds trust and helps visitors feel truly valued. The truths in these verses remind us that every visitor is important to God and to us. Keeping these scriptures close encourages us to serve with genuine love and hospitality.
FAQ’s
How should we greet visitors at church?
Greet visitors with warmth, a smile, and genuine interest. Use welcoming words that make them feel noticed and appreciated, such as “Welcome to our church! We’re glad you’re here.” Simple kindness and friendliness set a positive tone from the start.
What are ways to make visitors feel comfortable?
Make visitors feel comfortable by introducing them to others, offering a seat, and providing information about the service or programs. Listening patiently and being attentive to their needs helps reduce anxiety and fosters a sense of belonging.
Which Bible verses emphasize hospitality?
Verses like Romans 12:13, Hebrews 13:2, and 1 Peter 4:9 emphasize the importance of hospitality. They teach us to open our homes and hearts to others, showing kindness and love without expecting anything in return.
How can we effectively invite visitors to return?
Inviting visitors to return can be done by personally expressing that you hope to see them again and sharing upcoming church events or activities. A genuine invitation shows that the church values their presence and looks forward to building a relationship.
What is the best way to follow up after a visitor’s first visit?
Following up with a call, message, or note expresses care and interest. Ask if they have questions and invite them to future events. This continued contact helps visitors feel important and supported as they explore their faith journey.
Want to discover more Bible-based insights? Check out our collection of verses at BibleMiracle.com
