Doors Wide Open - Issue #146

As you enter into the lobby of the Cathedral of the Rockies, a United Methodist Church in Boise, Idaho, you can't help but notice the big pot of coffee, the tables and chairs clustered in strategic locations throughout the area, and the friendly person who greets you. But what really stands out is the presence of high school students who attend Boise High School, located next door to the church.

From early in the morning until after school, the lobby is open for students to drop in, have a cup of coffee, and to connect with one another. Even during the day, students who are on break take advantage of the invitation to pause and catch their breath.

By opening their doors to students and anyone else who comes along, the Cathedral proclaims a message of welcome and acceptance. The church says "this is your place" in both words and action.

The hospitality doesn't stop with the free Wi-Fi in the lobby or the monthly pancake breakfast. The worship service offerings also communicate that the church is open to everyone. At 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. is the traditional service in the sanctuary with pipe organ and orchestra, plus choirs for children, youth, and adults. The Blue Jeans worship is at 10:00 a.m. in the Emmaus Center with a band playing a mix of rock, folk, and contemporary Christian music. The contemporary service offers a relaxed atmosphere and weekly communion at 11:30 a.m.

The Cathedral of the Rockies is a dynamic congregation whose buildings and ministries communicate the message of Jesus Christ, that grace and love is offered to all.

Some Questions for Discussion

• As people enter through the main door of your church, what messages do they receive from the furnishings, the visuals, and the general atmosphere they encounter? Are those messages consistent with the mission and vision of your congregation?
  
  
• How do you offer hospitality to your community during the week?
  
  
• What might you do to make high school students feel like your church is their place?
  
  
  
  
  
  

Craig Kennet Miller is the Director of Pastoral Leadership at Discipleship Ministries. He can be reached at [email protected]. You can read more about the ministries of Cathedral of the Rockies at www.cathedraloftherockies.org.

In 2007 church leaders throughout The United Methodist Church in the U.S. were invited to identify churches that demonstrated the vision of discipleship described in the twelfth chapter of Romans. Over 200 churches were surveyed or visited. Issue #146. © 2012 Discipleship Ministries. All rights reserved. Permission is granted to copy this page for use in United Methodist congregations.