Great hospitality isn’t a strategy, it’s part of a lifestyle. It begins within the hearts of a few who have a gift of hospitality and catches like wildfire amongst all it touches.
Yesterday I spoke at the Ruach 2015 Conference in Chattanooga, Tenn. It was hosted at Redemption Point Church, where Kevin Wallace is the pastor. What a great experience! I always love the opportunity to teach on the topic of leadership, and on occasion there is something that is so notable it catches me by surprise.
The hospitality at Redemption Point Church blew me away. It was contagious. It was more like a spirit in the air rather than training from a handbook. From the moment I pulled into the parking lot throughout my experience there, I felt noticed, cared for and like I mattered. (Way before they knew I was one of the speakers.)
Romans 12:9-13 came alive in a practical way.
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
They truly practiced hospitality. The underpinnings of hospitality are love, generosity and a genuine heart to serve.
If I was a guest attending a church service there on Sunday, I’d return just because of how I was treated. How about your church? How are your teams doing from the parking lot to the nursery, ushers, greeters, coffee teams etc.?
Three insights on hospitality for your church teams:
Hospitality is not duty, it’s a passion.
It’s less about doing the right thing and more about being the right person. There are many ways to be gracious and welcoming, but having the right heart and authenticity that loves to serve makes all the difference. You can know that the “right thing to do” (duty) is to take good care of your guests, but if you don’t genuinely care, people know it.
