Hospitality is defined as “the friendly and generous reception of guests or strangers.” Scripture specifically encourages us to be hospitable people. In Titus 1:8, hospitality is listed as one of the marks of a good leader. In Romans 12:13, our faith in action includes the call to “share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” Our hospitality reflects the hospitality of God who embraces all people with love and grace. And just as we prepare and ready our home and family when guests are coming, our church should do the same. The key is summed up in Philippians 2:3-4. “In humility, value others before yourselves, not looking to your own interests, but each of you to the interests of the others.”
Here are nine simple things we ALL can do to show hospitality. I double dog dare you to put two or three into action this Sunday.
Be Willing to Walk
Too often guests end up having to park somewhere on the far side of the moon because the closer spots are long gone. Take the parking spaces near the back and leave the best parking spots for others. And for heaven’s sake, if your church has marked off spaces up front for guests, do not take them. No matter how late you are.
Own the Building
If you invited someone to your home, you would expend a little effort making the place look nice. It takes a group effort to keep buildings clean and neat. If you see trash, be a pal and pick it up! If a bathroom needs attention, please pitch in and do something about it, or notify the appropriate team. If you move something (desk, extension cord) from its usual spot, put it back when you’re done. Someone will be looking for it.
Move to the Middle
When you come in to take a seat, move to the middle of your row so guests don’t have to walk over you. Trying to find a seat is part of the challenge that can often keep newcomers away – it’s hard enough to come in and just sit down! We promise you’ll survive in your new location! And for your back-row sitters, consider moving up several rows so that guests (who often come in later than regular attendees) do not have the awkwardness of walking down front when trying to locate a seat. But see the next point for an exception.
Pause Before You Pick a Seat
Take a minute each Sunday to prayerfully survey the room as you choose where to sit. We are creatures of habit about “our” Sunday seats, but we can’t welcome guests if we never meet them. If you are purposed to share a friendly welcome, consider sitting on the outside sections and back rows of the room where guests are more likely to sit. Try engaging an unfamiliar face in conversation. Asking thoughtful questions communicates you care! And you only get half-credit if this is done during an instructed “turn-and-greet” time. Aim for these welcoming conversations to happen before and / or after the worship service.
Smile Like You Mean It
A smile may be all a person needs to feel welcome! Guests feel more at ease when they see smiling people. You aren’t being fake, you’re being nice. Very few folks have a naturally warm resting face. And no, those who do are not out to get you. You can trust them. So, be mindful of your facial expressions. You can resume your somber expressions when you get home.
Gift Boxes for Guests
At many churches, first-time guests may receive a gift box or bag at a reception desk or Guest Connection location. At Central Bible Church, we offer a hip little white bag with some cool goodies and more information about our church. So, if you meet a first-time guest, walk them to the pick-up point to make sure they get one. If you see someone holding one, give them a heartfelt welcome and smile.
Look for the Lost Look
If someone looks like they don’t know where to go…then they probably don’t! Step out of your comfort zone and ask if you can help. Don’t just tell them where to go, walk them there. If needed, most churches have hosts at a Guest Connection point who stand ready to help.
Let’s Do Brunch
Guests coming a first time to your church is great, but for them to return is huge. Do you know what your church’s next step for guests is? Most churches offer a pastor’s reception, a luncheon, or some type of informational mixer meeting. At Central Bible Church, our Guest Brunch is the best next step for our guests. These brunches take place about once a month on Sundays following the worship service, with upcoming dates listed on our website and in bulletins. Be familiar with the dates and location of your church’s next step, or at least where to find them, so that you can extend an invitation to the first-time guests that you meet.
Invite Them Back
When saying goodbye to a guest, it’s a simple thing to say, “Thank you for being here. We’d love to have you come again!” Consider inviting them to your Bible study group or Home Group. Many people are looking for a place to belong. Let’s continue to ensure that our church is that place!
“Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.” —Hebrews 13:2