Department store's tips for a welcoming church

RETAIL experts from the department store John Lewis are to give tips to clergy on how to create a less forbidding atmosphere and pull in more punters.

The Mission team in the Diocese of Wakefield has organised a welcome training day for clergy and lay members where Mark Hope-Urwin, former customer service manager with John Lewis, will share some of his knowledge from his days at the department store – famed for its ability to attract the public.

He will be joined by church growth expert and former Archdeacon of Walsall, Bob Jackson, who will share his knowledge on how to make church more inviting.

Wakefield's Canon Missioner, Tony Macpherson, said: "The ministry of welcome is essential to our mission strategy."