Radical Welcome: Embracing Transformation in the Church

For the fifteenth anniversary of its publication, this revised edition features a new introduction from the author on the state of the church and its "radical welcome" today, along with new reflections on how it continues to reshape the church.  

This book serves as a theological guide and an inspirational, practical resource for congregations seeking congregational transformation. It moves beyond mere diversity and inclusion to present a vision for the future of the church—one where the gifts, voices, and power of marginalized groups breathe new life into the mainline church. Based on two years of work and over 200 interviews with individuals from congregations across the United States—in urban, suburban, and rural settings—it poses the crucial question: How do we confront our fears and welcome transformation in order to become God’s radically welcoming people?  

Each chapter introduces a specific congregation and the challenges it faced, laying out the theological foundations for addressing fears directly and embracing change as an integral part of community life. This new edition also includes essays from Michael B. Curry, Mark Bozzuti-Jones, Jennifer Baskerville-Burrows, and Mark Richardson.

Explore these free resources centered on congregational transformation, including study guides, handouts, and even a theological guide video series based on Radical Welcome.

"This is not a ‘feel good’ book. It is not about how we should all be nice to strangers at coffee hour. This is a book about the very hard challenges that face any of us when we decide to step outside of our isolation for the sake of the gospel. . . . [T]his book is that rare combination of deep spirituality and pragmatism, serving as a valuable theological guide for congregational transformation. The call to take on the challenges of ‘radical welcome’ is for the growth of the community, not only in numbers, but in spirit, imagination, and strength. This is a book about the future envisioned by the gospel, a future that extends the love of Christ in all directions." — From the foreword by Stephen Charleston, author of The Four Vision Quests of Jesus and former Bishop of Alaska and Dean of Episcopal Divinity School

"The beautiful thing about re-revisiting Radical Welcome fifteen years on is discovering that it has a timelessness and relevance that we critically need today. . . . The vision of who we can be, truly reflecting the image of God, is stunningly beautiful and more than worth the effort." —The Rt. Rev. Jennifer Baskerville-Burrows, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Indianapolis

"When I read Radical Welcome fifteen years ago, I knew that it was deeply thoughtful and theologically grounded. I didn’t—couldn’t have—known that it was also futuristic, even prophetic. Today, a much wider audience is seeking to embrace diversity in ways that are authentically faithful rather than simply socially tasteful, ‘woke,’ and de rigueur. I am grateful to have this resource to read again, with its new essays and updates, and to commend it to those who are becoming aware of the intentionality building a truly welcoming community requires, which is essential for congregational transformation." —Sarah B. Drummond, Founding Dean, Andover Newton Seminary at Yale Divinity School

Praise from the first edition:

"More than a primer, more than a handbook, Spellers offers us a thoughtful, in-depth look at what ‘radical welcome’ really entails—discernment, openness and willingness to change, along with intentional 'holy boldness.' A must-read for any who dare entertain the idea of authentic Christian inclusivity, providing an essential theological guide for those pursuing congregational transformation." —The Rt. Rev. Barbara C. Harris, Bishop Suffragan (Ret.), Diocese of Massachusetts