At the 2025 Diocesan Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida, the Rev. Cynthia Brust, rector of Christ Episcopal Church, Suntree-Viera, delivered a compelling general session presentation titled “Cultivating a Culture of Belonging.” She opened her presentation with these words:
“Every societal entity has a culture. Businesses, retail stores, corporations, the armed services, athletic teams, even our families have cultures. Churches are obviously no exception.”
Brust explained that Jesus himself established the culture of the church around love, grace and commitment through calling, teaching, mentoring and sending his disciples out to do the same.
Since becoming rector of Christ Church in 2020, she has intentionally worked with the parish leadership to foster a culture focused on the Great Commission. After several successful rounds of Alpha as the church’s primary evangelism program, Brust realized a second step was missing: incorporating newcomers from Alpha into the parish.
“Belonging is a fundamental human need,” Brust said. “We are created to connect, to build relationships, to be part of a community. And yet, many today find themselves isolated, experiencing a belonging crisis.”
To combat that issue and joyfully welcome newcomers to Christ Church, Brust launched Invite Welcome Connect in early 2025 and shared it during her keynote address as her favorite resource for fostering an authentic Christian community. She emphasized its potential to transform congregations from maintenance mode into dynamic mission.
The four-week class designed to introduce IWC to Christ Church struck a deep chord with those who attended. “The table conversations and full-group brainstorming produced a variety of creative ideas, and enthusiasm built each week,” Brust noted. “They caught both the vision and the value of the three elements of incorporation and how they build a sense of community and belonging.”
The Framework of Invite-Welcome-Connect
Developed by Mary Foster Parmer, IWC provides a framework for creative cultural transformation. Rooted in the Great Commission, it empowers clergy and laity to work together in fostering deeper discipleship and community engagement.
The three core elements – Invite, Welcome and Connect – are interdependent and designed to be adaptable to the needs of each congregation.
IWC provides toolkits for each of the core elements both online and in its corresponding book. New executive director Steve Welch is also available for support.
A Transformational Vision
More than just best practices, IWC is about shifting church culture. This vision aligns seamlessly with this year’s diocesan theme: “For the Churches, For the Gospel.”
“God’s mission in the world is one of transformation, and each of us is called to be part of that work,” Brust said. “Led by the gospel and the example of Jesus, our call is to shift from simply sustaining what is to actively imagining what could be.”
Mother Cynthia Brust teaches her church about Invite Welcome Connect. | Photo courtesy Christ Episcopal Church, Suntree-Viera.
Inspired by Brust’s diocesan address, St. Andrew’s, Fort Pierce, donated a one-year subscription for diocesan-wide access to IWC materials – an investment in church vitality across the diocese. The Ven. Julie Altenbach sent out a letter giving the details of this gift and information about how to access it to diocesan rectors and parish administrators in addition to all Diocesan Convention delegates and attendees. If you did not receive this email and would like more information on the diocesan subscription to IWC, please contact the diocesan office at (407) 423-3567.
“Creating the kind of culture Mother Cynthia outlined does not happen by accident – it requires commitment and intentionality,” said the Rev. Canon Ellis Brust, rector of St. Andrew’s. “At St. Andrew’s, our vision is to build bridges of grace to take the love of Jesus into the world, and providing the incredible resources of IWC to the diocese is one small way we are living that out.” His church launched IWC during Lent this year, and several others diocesan churches have contacted Mother Cynthia in hopes of taking it to their parishes as well.
“One of the greatest benefits of Invite Welcome Connect is that it is a flexible resource that enables congregations of all sizes to live into the Great Commission in dynamic ways,” she said.
Next Steps
On Saturday, May 10, the Brusts will lead a class through the Institute for Christian Studies to jump-start clergy and lay leaders interested in IWC. This free course, Invite, Welcome, Connect 101, will be held at Christ Episcopal Church, Suntree-Viera, from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., and lunch is provided. To register, click here or email jaltenbach@cfdiocese.org.