Transform Your Church Through Radical Hospitality

Let’s be real—inviting someone to church can feel more intimidating than nailing grandma’s secret biscuit recipe. (And we know how risky those biscuits can be!) But here’s the kicker: 82% of unchurched people say they’d come if invited, yet only 21% of us actually extend the invite. Why the gap? Because many of us don’t know where to start.

Here’s the good news: we can bridge that gap, and it all begins with intentional, heartfelt hospitality.

Why Hospitality? Because It’s the Gospel in Motion

Think about it—80% of church visitors decide if they’ll come back after their first visit. That’s not because of the sermon, the music, or how well the announcements landed. It’s about whether they felt seen, valued, and welcomed.

Hospitality is more than a handshake or pointing someone to the coffee. It’s about creating a space where strangers feel like family and walls come down. That’s why I created Salt, Light, & Hospitality Training—to help churches transform their welcome from routine to revolutionary, turning visitors into lifelong followers of Christ.

The Heart Behind Salt, Light, & Hospitality

Jesus calls us to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world (Matthew 5:13-16). But what does that actually look like in a church setting? Hospitality is where those two come alive—where truth is seasoned with grace and God’s love shines through meaningful connections.

When we create environments of radical welcome, we’re reflecting the hospitality of Christ Himself. From Abraham feeding strangers under the oaks to Jesus breaking bread with the outcasts, the Bible is full of stories that show us: hospitality changes lives.

Why Hospitality Matters for Your Church

Hospitality isn’t just a warm idea; it’s the practical outworking of the Gospel. When we get this right, the results speak for themselves:

Attendance Growth: A welcoming church sees attendance jump 15-20% in the first year.

Connection Over Perfection: Visitors become regulars when they experience real community, not just polished services.

Volunteers on Fire: When members feel connected, volunteer engagement skyrockets by 75%.

Generosity in Action: Stronger relationships = a 30% boost in giving and tithing.

Evangelism on the Rise: When people experience the joy of a welcoming church, they invite friends—leading to a 200-300% increase in outreach.

My Story: Where Biscuits Meet Big Faith

I’m Andrew Gantt, a Vermont kid with a Southern soul, a husband, dad of three, and a chef turned hospitality trainer. Hospitality isn’t just something I talk about; it’s in my DNA.

Growing up as one of six siblings in a loud and hungry household, I learned early that the dinner table wasn’t just for eating—it was for connecting. Our chaotic family meals were where theology collided with elbow fights over mashed potatoes.

By age 14, I was sweating it out in the kitchen of a Vermont country deli, learning the joy of creating meals that brought people together. At 18, I became a sous chef, not because I had big dreams, but because I had a big love for seeing people’s faces light up over good food.

Some of my best lessons came from helping out at my church’s food ministry with my spiritual grandparents. They turned donated odds and ends into feasts that fed both body and soul. It’s there I learned: hospitality isn’t about fancy; it’s about faithfulness.

What Is Salt, Light, & Hospitality Training?

This isn’t a “how to smile and hand out bulletins” workshop. It’s a complete culture shift designed to:

Lay Biblical Foundations: Discover the biblical roots of hospitality and how it transforms communities.

Provide Practical Tools: From creating warm spaces to fostering genuine connections, you’ll learn how to make visitors feel at home.

Empower Your Team: Equip your hospitality team to serve with joy and purpose (without burning out).

Navigate the Tough Stuff: Overcome obstacles like cultural differences, apathy, or even the dreaded post-potluck cleanup wars.

Make It a Lifestyle: Hospitality doesn’t stop at the church doors—it’s how we live out our faith every day.

The Impact of Radical Hospitality

When churches prioritize hospitality, here’s what happens:

Visitors Keep Coming Back: 91% of guests return when they experience real relationships in their first month.

Conflict Goes Down, Community Goes Up: A welcoming culture fosters unity.

Evangelism Becomes Organic: When members feel joy and belonging, they naturally invite others to experience it too.

This isn’t just about filling seats; it’s about creating a church where people encounter the tangible love of Christ—a place where lives are changed, barriers are broken, and faith thrives.

Let’s Transform Your Church Together

The Salt, Light, & Hospitality Training isn’t just another program—it’s a movement to make hospitality the heartbeat of your church.

So, if you’re tired of seeing visitors slip through the cracks and want to create a church where every person feels like family, let’s get started. Together, we can make hospitality the spark that transforms your church into a thriving, welcoming community that reflects the love of Christ—one heartfelt welcome at a time.

You ready for Service? Let’er Rip!