Study: Welcoming Congregation – Week 1

Aug 8, 2016

WEEK 1 – August 16, 2016

PART 1: The Roots of Hospitality

 

CHAPTER 1: Biblical and Historical Roots of Christian Hospitality

STUDY NOTES

Best Practices: Hospitality 101

A welcoming site.

A worship service.

A meal.

A small group.

The work of reconciliation.

Outreach into the community.

New perceptions of God’s inclusive love.

 

Discussion Questions:

  1. What reasons does the Bible command us to go beyond love of neighbor to love of stranger?

  2. Where do you see hospitality in the practices of the people of ancient Israel?

  3. What happens when Jesus welcomes and includes people?

  4. Can you identify examples of philoxenia (love of the stranger) and xenophobia (fear of the stranger) in today’s church?

  5. Should hospitality be denied to any categories of people? If so, which ones?

  6. At first glance, which of the best hospitality practices is most important to you? Why?

Action Plan:

In teams of two, walk through the neighborhood around your church and note the people of different races, cultures, ages, and economic groups that are living around the church. List the groups of strangers that are currently not being welcomed by your congregation. Identify some of the barriers to their inclusion and begin thinking of practical ways to show better hospitality.

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