Open home? Christian hospitality

[Lanolin]

Do you keep an open home? How do you practice christian hospitality? In what ways?
How do you treat your guests/visitors?


Or do you prefer to keep things private.

 

[Lynx]

The concept of an open home is not very useful these days for two reasons:
1 - People don't usually travel from one city to another by walking anymore.
2 - Everybody has a phone, so if a car breaks down everyone can just call down help.

The custom was built on a principle though, and the principle is still valid. Are you willing to help people around you who need help?

 

[Lanolin]

thats not what I mean by Christian hosptiality

An open home isnt a motel or a house for sale that people can view. Its not a air b n b you pay to stay the night

If you dont understand what hospitality is, maybe have a deeper think about it.

 

[mustaphadrink]

Definitely a lost art Lanolin. Bearing in mind the New Testament Church met daily from house to house. I guess we don't have time to do that anymore as we have to fit in sewing club, Rotary, Tennis, a drink at the pub and a hundred and one other things.

 

[Lanolin]

? sewing club, tennis, rotary? what world do you live in...do you not extend christian hospitality to others? Or is it only for the rich. Cos I dont see how those things are even relevant.

if you offer a glass of cold water to someone who is thirsty, thats christian hospitality. If you dont have time to do simple gestures, to entertain strangers who maybe angels, to welcome them in, then what are you doing. If you work in customer service but are rude to your customers. they wont return.

 

[Lynx]

if you offer a glass of cold water to someone who is thirsty, thats christian hospitality. If you dont have time to do simple gestures, to entertain strangers who maybe angels, to welcome them in, then what are you doing. If you work in customer service but are rude to your customers. they wont return.

You're describing the same thing I mentioned, but you just said I don't know what hospitality is...

If neither of us understand what you're talking about, maybe you should explain what you mean so we can understand it.

 

[Lanolin]

I guess pubs have more hospitality than most christian homes do. hmm

Is it because they serve beer while a christian pub would just serve water?

 

[Lynx]

I guess pubs have more hospitality than most christian homes do. hmm

Is it because they serve beer while a christian pub would just serve water?

Pubs make money. Not an equivalent comparison.

 

[Lanolin]

Many churches do community meals, but I notice that some stint on the service or hospitality provided. Just little things like rusty salt shakers or not giving the best, or shooing guests out the door too soon or not being concerned how they will make it home. Not greeting or farewelling people.

I suppose providing comfort is low on peoples priority for guests who may be weary and burdened from travelling long distances, maybe had to fight traffic to get to somewhere. They may want to sit down but if the host just stands there and they arent given a seat dont be surprised if most people want to collapse on the floor. At least provide a cushion?

Maybe people just dont think about these things or simply arent aware.

 

[Eli1]

I like your monologue writing style @Lanolin .

 

[mustaphadrink]

I guess pubs have more hospitality than most christian homes do. hmm

Is it because they serve beer while a christian pub would just serve water {QUOTE}

A very good question. A friend of mine was invited to take over a country baptist church. After about a year he decided to deal with the fact that 70% of the congregation were women. He got together with the angelical chap and they put on a men's fellowship at the local pub. Drink whatever you want. No mention of going to church.

It worked. Gradually the men started attending the church services. Why don't more churches get their heads out of the sand and do something different?

 

[Genipher]

Hm. Well, what about you, Lanolin? Do you offer hospitality to guests or visitors? In what ways?

 

[Lanolin]

Hm. Well, what about you, Lanolin? Do you offer hospitality to guests or visitors? In what ways?

well I dont have my own home but I do practice hospitality at school, the library is one of those places. I have a welcome mat, and the desk is right near the door.
Thres cushions and places to sit and books that are accesible. I tell my readers to relax and chill, they are in a library. I have houseplants and open windows to let air in. The room next door will eventually have kitchenette built so parents can have a cuppa and connect with other parents with their children. They are welcome to drop in.

At church I would do ushering sometimes and do fresh flowers. Ushering is greeting people and showing them where to sit if they are new, or letting them know about the church newsletters or maybe if they forgot their bible providing spare copies. I have given away a lot of Bibles. We always had morning teas at church and sometimes take turns baking scones or preparing refrshments, usually cup of tea and biscuits, maybe cakes and slices.

At community meals we would just chat with people and maybe offer them rides home when it got dark. We would serve so people wouldnt have to contantly get up and get their dishes. We would do all the dishes and all the cleaning up.

one church would always give a welcome pack to new visitors and it would include chocolate...others give coupons for a free drink, though most churches you dont have to pay anything for refreshments. People bring what they can...but guests just bring themselves. Many churches do not ask for donations or offerings that is done in private not in front of everyone.

 

[Lanolin]

sometimes I would put on relaxing background music it just puts people in a good mood. Also have activities with children as they can get bored/restless. Usually colour in or maybe toys, blocks, puzzles for the toddlers. I think adults dont realise how boring things are when they just talk talk talk and expect children to be quiet while they take hours doing their business

 

[CharliRenee]

Honestly, I don't offer my home like I should, but I feel it may be unsafe. I have been thinking of this a lot lately. I do open my home to my grandkids and their friends though, does that count? I believe hospitality begins with a welcoming and serving mindset. Sometimes, we have to get out of our homes, out of our perverbial boxes to serve.

Hmmm, you have me thinking.. I will pray about it.

 

[Lanolin]

I think its just making people feel welcome and included rather than go away get lost.

I think Jesus explained when He said lay down your burdens, or when he told the parable of the prodigal son (Though that was the sons own home) when his dad welcomed him back and got the fatted calf...

Because when we come out of the wilderness and through the door we are not lost anymore.

I dont think that means just open your home to just ANYONE, but invite those in who especially need refreshment.

I used to work in this bookshop/stationery store and the owner/boss was a bit strange, he wanted customers but at the same time didnt care for them really, just wanted them to spend money. There was never a place to sit and read, even the staff couldnt sit, so there was not much chance of finding a good book if you didnt already know the title and if you stayed too long without buying anything they would get suspicious, I just thought it was an inhospitable place to work really..and I was not surprised when things got stolen as customers were not made to feel welcome in the first place, I think ppl are less likely to steal if they are given time and attention. I could be wrong about this but if you that worried about things going missing dont have so much valuable stuff out in the open. Also if you DO give to the poor God will see this and pay you back.

This is where I think a lot of business (esp hospitality) could follow a christian charity model instead of a for proft model that benefits only the already rich.

 

[HopeinHim4ever]

I love hospitality...I wish we had more company. My parents, especially my mom, are pretty hospitable and I remember several homeless people staying with us at different times growing up. I'm sure that sounds scary to some people but we never had any bad things happen.
And, the home is a great place for Christian fellowship. I love to cook, and often it's more fun to share the meals with friends.

 

[Lanolin]

I have one friend who is an amazing cook and shes always inviting me for meals to taste her food. I think if you have a gift like that its good to share it.

 

[jb]

Bearing in mind the New Testament Church met daily from house to house. I guess we don't have time to do that anymore as we have to fit in sewing club, Rotary, Tennis, a drink at the pub and a hundred and one other things.

Hence the complete lack of real and powerful revival in the Body of Christ!

 

[Lanolin]

if someone has a big house they could do what the methodists did and have worship meetings in their own home and invite ppl over.

They did this because at the time there were no church buildings available.

I recall one evangelist did this as he made his money in housing and when he became a christian everyone met at his house which was huge.

But you can always book a room in a library or community house if you need somewhere to meet which is not your home. Most people these days dont have the space. Or they live in tiny apartments...