The church was never meant to be an exclusive club. From the very beginning, God’s heart has been one of welcome, grace, and inclusion. Jesus opened His arms to sinners, outcasts, and strangers. He dined with tax collectors, touched the untouchable, and spoke life to those who felt forgotten. The early church followed His example, creating spaces where all could belong, regardless of background, status, or past. In this same spirit, a truly welcoming church reflects God’s love by embracing others with sincerity, warmth, and humility.
Welcoming someone to church is not just about saying hello or offering a seat. It is a reflection of the gospel. When someone steps into a church building, they should encounter not only the presence of God but also the kindness of His people. The act of welcoming is a powerful ministry in itself. It creates the space for healing to begin, for relationships to grow, and for lives to be transformed.
A church that welcomes well is a church that understands grace. It’s a place where love leads, where judgment is replaced by mercy, and where every soul has the chance to see Christ through how they are received. These verses remind us how central this call to welcome is in the life of every believer and every church community.
Bible Verses About Church Welcome
1. Romans 15:7
Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.
2. 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.
3. Matthew 25:35
For I was a stranger and you invited me in.
4. 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.
5. 1 Peter 4:9
Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.
6. James 2:1–4
Believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism.
7. Acts 2:46–47
They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people.
8. John 13:35
By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.
9. Philippians 2:3–4
In humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
10. Colossians 3:12–13
Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another.
11. Luke 14:13–14
But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed.
12. Romans 12:13
Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
13. Ephesians 2:19
You are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household.
14. Isaiah 56:7
These I will bring to my holy mountain and give them joy in my house of prayer… for my house will be called a house of prayer for all nations.
15. 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
16. Matthew 18:20
For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.
17. 3 John 1:5
Dear friend, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers and sisters, even though they are strangers to you.
18. Leviticus 19:34
The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself.
19. Titus 1:8
Rather, he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined.
20. Proverbs 24:11
Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter.
21. Psalm 133:1
How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity.
22. Isaiah 58:7
Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter?
23. Zechariah 7:9–10
Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless.
24. Romans 12:10
Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.
25. Luke 10:27
Love your neighbor as yourself.
26. Mark 9:37
Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me.
27. 2 Corinthians 5:20
We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.
28. John 6:37
All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away.
29. 1 Corinthians 14:26
Everything must be done so that the church may be built up.
30. Ephesians 4:2–3
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit.
31. Colossians 4:5–6
Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace.
32. Psalm 84:10
Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere.
33. James 2:8
If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right.
34. Matthew 10:40
Anyone who welcomes you welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me.
35. Revelation 22:17
The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!”
Our Thoughts On What the Bible Says About Church Welcome
Welcoming others into the church is a sacred responsibility. It is not about programs, signage, or handshakes alone. It is about reflecting the welcoming heart of Christ to everyone who walks through the door. Whether they are new believers, seekers, or returning prodigals, each soul is precious to God.
When a church practices genuine hospitality, it becomes a place of healing, belonging, and transformation. People often encounter Jesus first through how we treat them. These verses remind us that being a welcoming church isn’t optional; it’s biblical. It’s how we extend God’s grace in practical ways. May every church become a place where all people feel seen, loved, and invited into God’s presence.
Say This Prayer
Lord, help me to welcome others as You have welcomed me. Let my words and actions reflect Your kindness and grace. Teach our church to open our hearts to everyone, no matter who they are or where they come from. May we be a home for the lonely, a refuge for the hurting, and a light for the lost. Remove any pride or fear that keeps us from loving well. Use us to extend Your invitation of love to the world. Let every person who walks through our doors encounter Your presence and Your people with joy. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Evang. Anabelle Thompson is the founder of Believers Refuge, a Scripture-based resource that helps Christians to find biblical guidance for life’s challenges.
With over 15 years of ministry experience and a decade of dedicated Bible study, she creates content that connects believers with relevant Scripture for their daily struggles.
Her work has reached over 76,000 monthly readers (which is projected to reach 100,000 readers by the end of 2025) seeking practical faith applications, biblical encouragement, and spiritual guidance rooted in God’s Word.
She writes from personal experience, having walked through seasons of waiting, breakthrough, and spiritual growth that inform her teaching.
Evang. Thompson brings 12 years of active ministry and evangelism experience, along with over 10 years of systematic Bible study and theological research.
As a former small group leader and Sunday school teacher, she has published over 200 biblical resources and devotional studies.
She specializes in applying Scripture to everyday life challenges and regularly studies the original Hebrew and Greek texts for a deeper biblical understanding.