Series intro

Hospitality

As the weeks of lockdown began to slip past, it started to become obvious to me that the challenge would not be about creating good content but creating great connection.

So many of my guests on Voices of the church have talked about the positive power of a simple act of hospitality or welcome – at the same time, sadly, it was clear that when these things had not happened it had left a scar.

"Above all, love each other deeply for love covers a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling." 1 Peter 4:8-9 NIV

Unity

Hospitality helps us live in increasing unity. This is essential because our unity will come under increasing pressure as the demands of living under COVID restrictions take their toll. We need each other.

Live like Jesus

Hospitality helps us live like Jesus, demonstrating the power of the gospel to one another. If we are to meaningfully navigate the waters of #blacklivesmatter or #metoo we need to talk to, and listen to, each other. We need to welcome one another as Jesus welcomed us.

Shine like stars

Hospitality helps us show our friends and neighbours what it means to follow Jesus. After all "By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another" (John 13:35 NIV). We get to live out the gospel before the eyes of a watching world.

So. Take a step. Make an invitation. Let’s see a tsunami of hospitality flood the church! Let’s combat isolation with invitation.

Daniel Goodman