The Importance of Hospitality in Ministry

The Importance of Hospitality in Ministry
“Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” -1 Peter 4:8-10

In his book Setting the Table Danny Meyer says that the desire for hospitality is woven deeply into human nature. He writes that when we are born, we immediately receive four gifts: eye contact, a smile, a hug, and some food. For the rest of our lives, those four gifts are some of the best we can receive.

Likewise, in 1 Peter 4:8-10, the Bible encourages us to show hospitality to one another. Peter describes hospitality as one of the gifts we can use to serve others, as a demonstration of love that can cover a multitude of sins.

Danny Meyer gives us a wonderful template to follow as we seek to “show hospitality to one another.” What better way to welcome folks to church than with eye contact, a smile, a hug, and some food? Some folks will arrive at church sorrowful due to the circumstances of their lives. They need a smile. Some folks will arrive at church ashamed because of their sins and failures. They need someone to look them in the eye. Some folks will arrive at church feeling like an outcast – an untouchable. They need a hug. Some folks will arrive at church hungry – both spiritually and physically. They need someone to feed them.

Christ Presbyterian has hospitality woven into its DNA. May we continue to heed Peter’s words and “show hospitality to one another” and to all those who make their way into God’s house at the top of this hill.

Your Pastor and Friend,
John Knox Foster