Sunday Morning Missionary Part 4

Show Hospitality Without Grumbling

⁹ Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.
1 Peter 4:9 (ESV)

Hospitality, at least in this instance, is how we act towards strangers. It is often misunderstood to be applied to those we know. However, this is something intentionally focused on those we don’t know. The original word translated as hospitality is literally translated “love strangers” or “be generous to guests.”

This is not a new concept for the church. God has expected His people to "love strangers" or "be generous to guests" ever since He declared a people to be His own. The Israelites were commanded to treat strangers as if they were native born Israelites. (Lev 19:33-34). In the New Testament the writer of Hebrews says not to neglect hospitality for some have entertained angels unaware (Heb 13:2). Paul demonstrates hospitality to be a mark of maturity as he included it in both of his lists of qualifications for Elders (1 Tim 3:2; Titus 1:8). But, he also commands it as a result of the work of grace in each of us (Rom 12:13).

Not only should our meetings be markedly different because of the genuine love we are showing one another, but because we are going the extra mile to treat strangers as if they are family.

I can tell you this makes a difference, especially in a church like The Way. When we don't act hospitably, it is very noticeable. There are plenty of success stories, but there are plenty of missed opportunities as well. I will always be deeply moved by the story of a young lady that visited on a Sunday Morning after visiting a community group and yet no one, no one from the community group and no one else in the church, said one word to her when she came that Sunday morning.

We are a collection of close nit groups. As a result of our Community Group model, there are automatically little cliques that develop. We shouldn't need to apologize for this, it is a biblical model. Of course, we are more comfortable talking to the people we are close with. However, the call to hospitality demands that these cliques don't become unhealthy, but always allow others to belong just as deeply as you do.

The most telling part of Peter's command may be that we are to do this without grumbling. We are expected to do this not just because we have been coerced or commanded, but because we want to treat others as our God in heaven has treated us. It certainly says something about us if we are unable or unwilling to extend ourselves so that others can experience God's goodness through our church. But, let me assure  you, it isn't revealing anything good.

In the interest of organization and intentionality, like many other churches, we have developed a ministry team whose purpose is specifically intended to get the "hospitality ball" rolling. They greet people at the door, and give direction and set expectations for the day. They show up early brew coffee, set out refreshments, and make sure the building is ready to host guests. But, once a person is past the doors and sipping coffee the responsibility to engage and ensure each person feels welcome and important falls to every member and regular attender. Peter doesn't relegate hospitality to those gifted by the Spirit to do it, but rather presents it as the responsibility of every member of the church.

In a context like ours, where the Sunday morning gathering, is almost always the first live contact we have with prospective members, Sunday Morning Missionaries are able to find great influence as they recognize that hospitality may start with a smile and handshake at the door, but is really woven into the whole scene. And, they are an integral part of tearing down the barriers built by the language we use, the closeness of existing relationships, the style of worship, and the awkwardness because of the insecurities we all struggle with. They recognize that as a church family, we don't have to use Sunday mornings primarily for ourselves, but that especially during the portion of our gathering before and after the music, they have great opportunity to sacrifice of themselves to make strangers feel as if they have always been a part of our church. We may not actually succeed in making every person feel welcome, but Sunday Morning Missionaries strive to do their part.

Think back to the first time you walked into one of our gatherings, or another church for that matter. It is intimidating and for some it is downright scary. How about the second and third time you came in, was it any less important that you feel like you belong? Of course not.

Imagine a church family that doesn't allow itself to be so introverted on Sunday morning that guests come and go without being engaged by someone. Imagine a church whose love for Jesus and one another has resulted in so much good in their own lives that they want everyone that visits to experience it. Imagine a church that desires to worship God by making room for others to see His glory and worship as if they were part of the family. Imagine a church full of Sunday Morning Missionaries loving guests just as much as they love one another, showing hospitality without grumbling.

What would it take for The Way to be that church? Do you need to do something differently to help us become that church?