Hospitality
Throughout scripture, we see God revealing his love through welcome and belonging. As followers of Jesus, we’re invited to extend that same welcome to others in ordinary, everyday ways.
One definition of hospitality we like from Practicing the Way is ‘Expressing the welcome of God the Father to all through tangible acts of love, such as giving food, shelter and relationship’.
In Romans 12:13 the Apostle Paul encourages us to ‘practice hospitality’. This is very different from entertaining and cooking to impress; hospitality is an amazing way we get to demonstrate Christ’s love with our friends, our community, our neighbours and strangers. The Greek word we see in Romans here for ‘practice’ is philoxenia which literally means ‘loving the stranger.’
Some of the values we hold as a community when it comes to hospitality are:
Motivated by love - practicing hospitality is an amazing way we can ‘love our neighbour’, our motivation is to simply communicate the love of God.
Being authentic to who you are and offering hospitality in a way that feels fun and natural to you; such as a beach picnic, a board games night, a bowl of pasta served on the sofa or hosting a three course meal with jazz; it’s up to you!
Openness over presentation - we want to make sure we keep the focus on the main thing and that’s simply welcoming people into our homes and lives rather than getting caught up in the pressure to host something perfect.
"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
Scatter Sunday - 26th July
On 26th July it's Scatter Sunday, and this time we're connecting it with our communal rhythm of hospitality.
Whether it's coffee and cake, a beach picnic, a BBQ, board games evening, or something uniquely you, we'd love to see lots of opportunities for people to gather and experience God's love together.
If you'd be willing to host fill out the form below. We'll then set your event up for people to sign up to and for you to invite friends and neighbours along!
If you have any questions please get in touch with Maysie or Nick.
Get started
Share a meal with someone outside your usual circles. Do this prayerfully. Who is God bringing to your attention? Who has God placed in your life that you could share the love of Jesus with?
Build a rhythm of opening up your life to others, with particular attention to those on the margins. There is something sacred about sharing a meal around a table at someone's home - but if this isn't possible, then consider a public space. A simple invitation can communicate the love of Jesus.
Open up your home for a board games night, organise a bring and share picnic on the beach, grab coffee and pastries and go for a walk; invite your friends, neighbours and even strangers.
Invite your colleague for lunch on your break.
Pray daily for someone who doesn't know Jesus and regularly speak about Jesus in your everyday life.
Explore further
Kids and families
Family discipleship isn’t about perfection, but presence.
Kids and families are shaped most by the rhythms, habits, and conversations of everyday life. Formation often happens through repetition, warmth, and consistency more than intensity.
For each communal rhythm, you’ll find:
1. Conversations to have with your kids
2. Practical ways to live it out at home
Conversations to have with your kids about Hospitality….
What makes people feel welcomed and safe?
Why did Jesus spend so much time around tables?
How can we include people who feel lonely?
What does generosity with our space look like?
Why is hospitality more about warmth than perfection?
How can we make guests feel loved?
What does it mean to open our lives to others?
How can our home reflect God’s welcome?
Teach children that hospitality is creating space where people feel seen, valued, and loved.
Practical ways to live this out at home…
Share meals with others regularly.
Let children help prepare for guests.
Keep simple hospitality rhythms rather than waiting for perfection.
Invite neighbours, friends, and church families over.
Teach children to greet guests warmly.
Leave margin in your schedule for interruptions.
Celebrate birthdays and milestones together.
Create traditions around meals and conversation.
Encourage children to share toys and spaces generously.
Model attentive listening around the table – encourage children to share their ‘best bits’ and ‘worst bits’ and listen to others.
Hospitality forms children into people who make room for others.