There is power in making people feel seen and welcomed.

Hospitality: philoxenia:
(phileo: familial, brotherly love)
(xenos: stranger, foreigner).

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

Romans 12:9-13 NIV

In a world that builds walls, hospitality builds tables.

“Hospitality means primarily the creation of free space where the stranger can enter and become a friend instead of an enemy. Hospitality is not to change people, but to offer them space where change can take place. It is not to bring men and women over to our side, but to offer freedom not disturbed by dividing lines.”

Henri Nouwen

The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the Lord your God.

Leviticus 19:34 NIV

People come to Church for all sorts of reasons. But they stay because they find a friend.

From Guest to Host.

The word hospitality literally means “loving the stranger.” Often times, the stranger we’ve been called to welcome are the people already in our midst. Talk about a time when you felt seen and welcomed in the Church. How did that impact you? 

Hospitality isn’t just a volunteer position at Church. It’s a choice; a posture we choose in our daily life as we move from being a “guest” to a “host.” How might Restoration become more of a place where people aren’t just invited, but included? Not just welcomed, but wanted?