
Welcomed And Wanted
From its inception, the Church has been marked by its call to welcome people into the family of God. This week in our series Restorers, we’re exploring how hospitality is central to the mission of God.


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.
