Keys for Practicing Biblical Hospitality

This blog is part of a series of posts exploring biblical hospitality practices as a missional strategy. 

Biblical Hospitality has been defined as taking the initiative to help saints and strangers go from unknown to known, by opening up our homes and lives for the sake of the gospel and the glory of God. Seeing this as a clear command of scripture and an ethic for Kingdom citizens should compel us to be faithful and obedient as we seek to make disciples through practicing biblical hospitality.

7 KEYS FOR PRACTICING BIBLICAL HOSPITALITY:

INTENTIONALLY CALENDAR FOR HOSPITALITY.

Taking time to calendar hospitality with your spouse and family is imperative to practice biblical hospitality. If you don’t put it on the calendar, it is less likely to happen. Don’t let the rule and reign of busyness cause you to give the time excuse for not practicing hospitality.

IDENTIFY SAINTS AND STRANGERS FOR HOSPITALITY.

Who is a neighbor you might not know well? Who has recently joined or is visiting your church? Pray and take the initiative to practice hospitality on co-workers, families in your network, and relationships God has brought across your path.

Inquire! Learn to communicate, ask questions and Listen!

Today’s idolatry with technology has damaged our ability to communicate. Lay down the phone, engage with eye contact, ask questions, and listen. When we engage in conversation, when we listen, we are demonstrating grace.

INVITE! COFFEE, LUNCH, DINNER AT YOUR HOUSE.

If you want to start slow, invite someone to coffee or lunch. Progress to opening up your home and life as you model biblical hospitality by helping saints and strangers go from unknown to known.

INVOLVE OTHERS.

Realistically many cannot afford consistent hospitality if we are furnishing all the costs. Involve others to share the in the cost and, when appropriate, ask the guest to bring a drink, side, or dessert.

INVEST SPIRITUALLY DURING HOSPITALITY.

Having gospel conversations and community should be at the heart of practicing biblical hospitality, which separates hospitality from fellowship. Be intentional with your prayers, conversations, and discussions as you practice hospitality for the sake of the gospel and the glory of God.

REJECT EXCUSES, TAKE THE HOSPITALITY CHALLENGE!

Start by calendaring hospitality in your home at least once a month.