A youth gathering of the Gossner Evangelical Lutheran Church in Chotanagpur and Assam, India. Photo: Neha Topno
Recently, I got the opportunity to attend the capacity building training sessions organized by The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) Youth program focusing on “Welcome.” What began as learning turned into one of the most enriching experiences of my ministry journey.
From the beginning, the program offered meaningful exposure. Interacting with participants from various cultures allowed me to explore welcoming not just as a local church practice, but as a global expression of Christian love. We were honored to learn about radical grace from Rev. Katariina Kiilunen, LWF Program Executive for Capacity Building and Leadership Development. She emphasized that the foundation of Christian welcome is rooted not in human effort, but in God’s unearned love. “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God—not the result of works, so that no one may boast.” (Ephesians 2:8–9)
This scripture beautifully complements the theology of radical grace by highlighting that we welcome others because God first welcomed us—freely, fully, and without condition. Our hospitality becomes a reflection of God’s generous love.
Are we making room?
The theme of welcoming also connects profoundly with the Advent story. As we reflect on the Holy Family’s journey before the birth of Jesus, we are reminded that Mary and Joseph searched for a place to stay, only to find that there was no room in the inn. The Savior of the world entered humanity not through spaces of comfort or privilege, but through rejection and simplicity. This challenges the church to ask: Are we making room?
The Savior of the world entered humanity not through spaces of comfort or privilege, but through rejection and simplicity. This challenges the church to ask: Are we making room? ...
Neha Topno,Gossner Evangelical Lutheran Church in Chotanagpur and Assam, India
Welcoming, therefore, becomes an Advent practice, preparing room not only in our homes, but in our hearts and communities. During one of the training sessions, a deeply personal milestone was an invitation to lead a devotion for the entire group. Being the first time, and in such a global setting, it was humbling and uplifting, filled with grace and encouragement. The participants’ warmth made me feel welcomed far beyond the boundaries of my own congregation, reminding me that the Body of Christ is vast, diverse, and united by God’s love. Through the conversations, one insight became clear: “welcoming is not merely an activity, it is a discipleship that must be lived.”
During the program, we were introduced to two essential challenges. The first encouraged us to ‘step outside our comfort zones’ and observe how other communities practice welcoming. This exercise opened my eyes to the diversity of God’s people and how different cultures express hospitality and belonging.
The second challenge focused inward, asking us to experience our own congregations with honesty. What do we do well? Where do we need growth? These conversations sparked valuable reflection.
Reflection & Discussion Questions
- How does your congregation demonstrate a spirit of welcome today?
- What new practices can your church adopt to strengthen its culture of Radical Grace?
- How can welcoming become an active part of discipleship in your ministry?
This program has been a transformative chapter in my journey, and I look forward to applying these lessons to deepen the spirit of welcoming in my church community.
This post is part of the monthly LWF Youth theological series called Global Faith Unfiltered. It features reflections from young theologians on the most pressing issues and topics across their communities, from a perspective of the priorities highlighted at the 2023 LWF Assembly.
