We Bid Thee Welcome

We bid you welcome in the name
Of Jesus, our exalted head.
Come as a servant -- so he came --
We shall receive you in his stead.

Come as a shepherd; guard and keep
This fold from hell and world and sin.
Nourish the lambs and feed the sheep;
The wounded heal; the lost bring in.

Come as a teacher sent from God
With his whole counsel to declare.
Our souls encourage with the Word,
While we uphold your hands with prayer.

Come as a messenger of peace,
Filled with the Spirit, fired with love.
God bless your work, your strength increase,
And guide us all to heav'n above.