How can we "welcome her in the Lord" in our church community today? Warm Invitation from Romans 16:2 “Welcome her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints…” (Romans 16:2) What This Looked Like for Paul’s Day • Phoebe was embraced as family, not treated as a stranger • The church gave practical help for her journey (v. 2 “assist her in whatever matter”) • She was honored publicly for her service (“she has been a patron of many”) Translating Paul’s Charge to Today • Greet new sisters by name, learn their story, and introduce them to others right away • Provide tangible aid—rides, meals, childcare, lodging, job leads—whatever eases their burdens • Open opportunities for them to serve, affirming gifts rather than sidelining them • Speak well of their faithfulness before the congregation, following Proverbs 31:31 Practical Steps Our Church Can Take 1. First-Sunday Hosts – Assign trained members to spot newcomers, sit with them, and follow up that week 2. Ministry Buddy System – Pair each woman with a seasoned sister for prayer, discipleship, and resource sharing 3. Shared Table Evenings – Rotate home dinners so every woman is in someone’s kitchen at least once a month 4. Needs Board (digital or bulletin) – Post real-time requests—meals, babysitting, household help—and let members sign up 5. Celebrate Service Sunday – Brief testimonies highlighting how God uses women’s gifts, echoing 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 Heart Posture Behind the Practice • Remember Christ welcomed us first (Romans 15:7) • Value each sister as Christ’s co-heir (Galatians 3:28) • Show hospitality without grumbling (1 Peter 4:9) • See every act as done to Jesus Himself (Matthew 25:35-40) Supporting and Honoring Sisters in Leadership • Encourage teaching, discipling, mercy, administration, and helps gifts (Romans 12:6-8) • Provide theological training resources—books, studies, conference scholarships • Invite women to planning tables where wisdom is needed (Proverbs 11:14) Why It Matters • Obedience brings joy and unity (Psalm 133:1) • Outsiders notice genuine love (John 13:35) • The body is strengthened when every part works properly (Ephesians 4:16) Related Passages for Reflection • Hebrews 13:2—welcome strangers, some entertained angels • 3 John 5-8—faithful to assist traveling servants of God • Acts 2:46-47—breaking bread together, the Lord added daily May our fellowship mirror the warmth Paul urged, so each woman who walks through the doors feels truly “welcomed in the Lord.” |
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