How not to do it:

I went to the Garden of Love,
And saw what I never had seen;
A Chapel was built in the midst,
Where I used to play on the green.

And the gates of this Chapel were shut
And “Thou shalt not,” writ over the door;
So I turned to the Garden of Love
That so many sweet flowers bore.

And I saw it was filled with graves,
And tombstones where flowers should be;
And priests in black gowns were walking their rounds,
And binding with briars my joys and desires.

The Garden of Love, William Blake

Those with the stewardship of our ancient churches can do something about it!

What?

There is nothing more welcoming than a church that is a warm place with open doors!

Think of appointing someone to oversee the welcome you offer. In the Benedictine tradition, as followed at St. Benet’s and elsewhere, there was always a monastery official called a hospitaller in charge of welcoming guests.  Could your church appoint a hospitaler ?

An open door? Do you keep your church open during the week? Have you considered the issues ? You will find guidance on the Ecclesiastical Insurance website .

How to get your church on the map