Why Do Guests Find Church Visits Intimidating? With Richard Riccardi, author of The Wandering Worshipper
Richard Riccardi · May 5, 2026
Interview with Richard Riccardi
Podcast: Spiritual Life and Leadership
May 5, 2026 · 52 min
What happens when you visit 33 different churches in a year? Richard Riccardi, author of The Wandering Worshipper, shares his journey of exploring worship spaces, the surprising power of radical hospitality, and how authentic community can transform even the most unexpected…
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About Richard Riccardi
Author of The Wandering Worshipper on Belonging, Presence, and Community in Faith
33 Houses of worship visited in one year25 years Co-owned & operated Food Source, LP15+ Early-stage CPG companies & funds backedAuthor The Wandering Worshipper
For years, church occupied an uncertain middle ground in Richard G. Riccardi’s life. Being raised Catholic, he believed attendance mattered, but his experience with it was unfulfilling. A generous assessment of his attendance was irregular and uninspired.
Eventually, instead of asking what he should or was obligated to do, he asked a simpler question: Is going to church worthwhile? He put the concept to the test by attending services at 33 different places of worship, crossing denominations, cultures, and faith traditions in one year.
As the journey unfolded, he discovered he knew a lot less than he thought. Time and again, the differences and preconceptions he assumed would dominate the experience receded once he was inside the house of worship and interacting with real people.
Rather than the typical negative impressions of church, he encountered smiling, welcoming people; heard uplifting, not condemning, faith messages; learned that the differences in faith traditions are not so different; and discovered faith can transcend race.
The experience transformed him, and he concluded that there is a place for everyone, and everyone needs a place. Sure, churches aren’t perfect; they are composed of people, but the imperfections are fewer than expected, and there is a constant aspiration to do better.
About this episode
What happens when you visit 33 different churches in a year?Richard Riccardi, author of The Wandering Worshipper, shares his journey of exploring worship spaces, the surprising power of radical hospitality, and how authentic community can transform even the most unexpected visitor.
THIS EPISODE'S HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:
Richard Riccardi describes walking into 33 places of worship and discovering that churches are gardeners of fruitful communities.Churches serve as places where everyone can belong, and everyone needs a place to belong.Richard Riccardi intentionally attended a wide variety of worship services, including Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, and Baha’i gatherings.A welcoming environment across different places of worship made a strong positive impression, regardless of faith tradition.Richard Riccardi recounts a rare instance where a welcome felt too aggressive, serving as a caution about coming on too strong with visitors.Church members often believe their enthusiastic friendliness is always positive, but it can sometimes overwhelm newcomers.Experiences of deep hospitality and acceptance can transcend racial, cultural, and religious boundaries.Richard Riccardi explains that styles of worship that encourage relationship and participation engaged him more than rigid, predictable rituals.A diversity of approaches is needed in church messaging and environment to reach both newcomers and longtime members.Markus Watson and Richard Riccardi discuss the importance of “sacred listening” and tailoring responses to visitors’ backgrounds and spiritual needs.Being sensitive about criticizing other faiths or denominations can foster genuine community and dialogue.Authentic community in churches is demonstrated when people support each other in times of need, as seen in the care Richard Riccardi’s mother received near the end of her life.
RELEVANT RESOURCES AND LINK:
Richard RiccardiWebsite - https://thewanderingworshiper.com/Books mentioned:The Wandering Worshipper, by Richard RiccardiBeyond Thingification, by Markus WatsonRelated episodes:167. Called to Each Other218. Trust, Teams, and Transformational Leadership222. Building a Multi-Inclusive ChurchSend me a text! I’d love to know what you're thinking!
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Guest: Richard Riccardi
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