Engagement Path

What is the Engagement Path?

Hope’s Engagement Path is a series of steps designed to help a first-time guest become an active member of the congregation and, ultimately, a disciple of Christ.

What are these steps?

The steps include community outreach events such as the Cranberry Days, Cookie Walk and Fall Fest; regular engagement community hall activities such as Donut Sunday and God’s Work Our Hands; worship services, Christian Education opportunities, and volunteering and leading for Hope’s ministries.

What changes will we notice within our church?

This initiative is not about changing our church, but you will notice a few changes.  A new, simpler visitor card is now available in the pews and events.  A Welcome and Information Resource Center will be set up in the Narthex between services and a “Hope Hello” station will be set up after services so that visitors will have opportunities to learn more.

Who are we hoping to reach

Truly, anyone in our community! We believe God is calling us to reach beyond our walls — to the young and the young at heart, families and singles, those with children and those without, people who’ve never had a church home, and anyone simply in need of support and belonging. There’s a place at Hope for everyone.

Why the focus on those outside our church?

It’s a fair question, and the answer isn’t that our current members matter less — it’s that caring for current members and welcoming new ones are both important.  A welcoming church serves everyone better. When we open our doors wider, we’re not dividing our attention; we’re deepening the life we already share. New people bring fresh energy, gifts, and perspectives that strengthen the whole congregation. Most of all, we believe God is calling us to grow. Reaching out isn’t about numbers — it’s about living out Christ’s call to make disciples and trusting that a church that gives itself away is a church that flourishes.

Can I help with this?

Absolutely! The most important way you can contribute is to invite people to attend Hope events!  Building an invite culture is key to the success of this effort. In addition, we will be looking for volunteers to support Hope’s Information and Resource Center, Hope Hello Station, and community events.

What if inviting people feels awkward for me?

You’re not alone — inviting people can feel awkward, and that’s okay! The good news is you don’t need a script or a big spiritual conversation. Inviting someone to Fall Fest, Cookie Walk, or Donut Sunday is a lot easier than inviting them to a worship service — it’s just “come hang out with us.” Start with whatever feels comfortable to you, and let it grow from there.

How is this different from what we’ve always done?

In many ways, it builds upon what we already do well — Hope has always been a warm and welcoming church. What’s new is that we’re being more intentional about it. Rather than leaving a good first impression to chance, we’re creating clear next steps and welcome infrastructure — like the visitor cards, the Welcome and Information Resource Center, and the Hope Hello station — so that guests aren’t just greeted, but helped to find their place among us. The heart is the same; we’re simply being more deliberate about connecting people to it.

How will we know if it’s working?

We’ll be watching for the signs of a growing, healthy church: new faces returning week to week, more people stepping up to volunteer, and growth across Hope’s ministries. Success isn’t just bigger numbers, though — it’s people finding a genuine spiritual home here and growing as disciples. We’ll keep the congregation updated as the pathway takes shape.

What happens after someone visits?

Getting someone in the door is just the first step. From there, based on their interests, we’ll help connect them to what fits — a small group, a volunteer opportunity, a class, or a personal follow-up from someone at Hope. There’s no single track everyone is pushed through; every path can be unique!

Who may I talk to for more information?

Barb Pezze or any member of the Hope Forward team can connect you to the best person.  Please reach out to the church office for contact information.