"Patrick Keifert has pioneered in the study and practice of congregational hospitality as expressed in the worship experience of Christians. He grounds the practice of evangelistic hospitality in sound biblical exegesis and public theology, but he never loses sight of the actual situation of Christian congregations. His insightful linking of evangelism and worship should mark a fruitful path for theologians and pastors."

-WAYNE C. STUMME

Institute for Mission in the USA

"A fundamental question I always ask an author is 'Does he or she have something to say?" In Patrick Keifert's case, the answer is definitely yes. He opened my thinking regarding the role of public worship in welcoming the stranger. As a Roman Catholic I find his insights especially helpful."

-REV KENNETH BOYACK

Director, Paulist National Cashalgo

Evangelization Association

"Professor Patrick Keifert. says many congregations misunderstand worship as a private family matter. Kurt Reichart says, 'based on a study done in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, Keifert reported that clergy spend 89 percent of their time on fewer than 60 members of the congregation. "What we have are family chaplains who often see the congregation as their primary extended family Keifert's enthusiasm for evangelism through worship is based on studies showing that 47 percent of the 53 percent of the unchurched population think about going to church at least once a week That means if you invite someone who is unchurched, you have a 50. chance of having them accept. Keifert may not be a great mathematicl but he's got the right idea

-MARTIN E MARTY