This is my third post in a random series of articles dealing with hospitality. I’ve spent time on this topic because it is so critical to church renewal and vitality. How we welcome the “other” is a foundational lesson of both the Hebrew Scriptures and the New Testament.
A few weeks ago my wife and I took advantage of Howard County Restaurant Week, and we went out for dinner in Columbia. When our waiter approached, he didn’t give the usual welcome, instead he said, “Good evening Mr. and Mrs. Brown, welcome to __________.” The waiter then wished me a happy early birthday (it was a week later). I was floored because this was our FIRST time eating at this restaurant. He had done his homework by reviewing my Open Table profile, the app I used to make the reservation, getting our names and important information. Not only was his service excellent, but he went above and beyond to make us feel welcomed.
In the pursuit of fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment within our churches, there is much to learn from these unexpected sources. In the world of waitstaff where hospitality is not just a practice but an art form, I believe we can discover three key lessons for our churches.
1. Attentiveness and Anticipation:
Just as a skilled waitstaff anticipates the needs of their guests, churches can embody hospitality by attentively anticipating the needs of their congregants and visitors. The founder of the Methodist movement, John Wesley, emphasized the importance of “watching over one another in love,” urging believers to be sensitive to the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of those around them. By proactively reaching out to newcomers, offering assistance, and providing a warm welcome, churches can emulate the attentiveness of a diligent waitstaff, creating an atmosphere where all feel seen and valued.
2. Genuine Engagement and Connection:
Beyond mere service, exceptional waitstaff excel in building genuine connections with their patrons. Similarly, churches can cultivate an environment where meaningful relationships are fostered. Our heritage underscores the importance of community and fellowship, emphasizing the concept of “holy conferencing” where individuals engage in open, honest dialogue and support one another in their spiritual journeys. By prioritizing authentic connections over superficial interactions, churches can create a space where people feel known, cared for, and supported in their faith walk.
3. Hospitality as a Lifestyle:
Hospitality is not the work of a Team or Committee, nor is it reserved for Sunday mornings. As followers of Jesus we are encouraged to embody hospitality as a fundamental aspect of our Christian walk. Wesley famously asserted, “The world is my parish,” underscoring the universal call to extend God’s love and hospitality to all people, regardless of background or circumstance. By embracing hospitality as a lifestyle rather than a sporadic practice, churches can cultivate a culture of welcome that permeates every aspect of church life, from Sunday services to community outreach efforts.
These lessons offer valuable insights for our churches as we seek to deepen our practice of hospitality. By embodying attentiveness, genuine engagement, and a commitment to hospitality as a lifestyle, we can create spaces where individuals feel not only welcomed but truly at home, reflecting the inclusive love of God exemplified in Jesus. As we embrace these principles, may our churches become beacons of hospitality, drawing people into transformative encounters with the grace and love of Christ.
Now it’s your turn:
1. How can our church community more effectively anticipate and meet the diverse needs of both regular attendees and newcomers, drawing inspiration from the attentiveness of skilled waitstaff?
2. In what ways can we deepen our commitment to embodying hospitality as a lifestyle, not just within the walls of our church but also in our daily interactions with those outside our faith community?