Over the next month or so I will be opening my articles with insights from my
good friend and church consultant, George Bullard. I will be adding some comments
to what George has written in his book, Faith Soaring Churches.
“Congregations seeking to transform do not see placing coffee and donuts on
a table as sufficient for relationship building. While people may slow down to pick
up one or both, they do not necessarily have quality interaction with anyone. People
serving and talking are essential.
Coffee and donuts on a table without persons trained in hospitality interaction may
actually be a waste. Also, coffee and donuts is not the refreshments of champions.
Deeper thought needs to be given to the menu of items available. Healthy items are
essential. Also, the quality of the items provided needs to be high.”
Parts of the above insight may be true for us. We do not have fellowship
times either before or after worship as frequently as we might. They can become
good times to get to know one another better or just to strike up a good
conversation. Hospitality becomes the key to a great fellowship time. It is one
thing for someone or several to provide some refreshments. It is quite another for
those of us who have gathered in fellowship to take advantage of some quality time
to truly mix with others.
However, hospitality is not limited to fellowship times. Do we practice
hospitality to fellow worshipers in order to sincerely make them feel welcome and at
home? Consider the ways that you practice hospitality to all in the church.
Remember that Jesus welcomes you and seeks for you to welcome others.
