It can not be assumed that they will know a great deal about how we worship as Episcopalians and in what we believe. They may bring different attitudes and customs around what it means to be church and what signifies holy space. Hopefully, in time, new members begin to become a part of the fabric of our lives and some may even take on positions of leadership. I believe it means both. As your Rector, I want to be clear with you that I am committed to both forms of growth.
Growth means change.
If we are to grow as a congregation, we can not expect clones replicas of ourselves to walk through our doors. For undoubtedly God will surprise by sending us people with unique gifts to share, needs to nurture, grief to console and blessings to celebrate. They may not be born and raised Anglican. The Risen Christ calls us to lives of hope and not of fear. May God bless you richly during these summer months.