By practicing hospitality, our region is discovering
new gifts that are for the good of our neighbors.
Gillian Houghton, Canadian National Director
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
“There are no strangers here; only friends you haven’t yet met!”
This is one of my favourite quotes. So, when my daughter and I saw it written on the outside of a restaurant in Dublin, Ireland, we felt compelled to dine there. And it didn’t disappoint! While the food and décor were nothing to write home about, the genuine warmth and hospitality of the staff and other patrons was outstanding. We felt like we had new BFFs by the time we left at the end of the evening! (BFF means best friends forever.)
That quote and that experience made me pause and consider: What if church felt like that?
What if everyone left church feeling loved and blessed with new friends?
What if we approached the Sunday worship service as an act of hospitality?
Those who have studied hospitality will say that hospitality is both an art and a science. It’s an art because primarily it’s about human connection, like warmth, empathy, and the ability to read people. Great hosts sense what someone needs before being asked. It is about creating an atmosphere and experience that feels warm and welcoming and aesthetically pleasing.
On the flip side, hospitality is also a science because it relies on procedures, standards, timing, and predictable workflows. It is underpinned by coordination, including staffing, traffic flow, capacity management, and precise planning. Excellence in hospitality isn’t an accident — it’s engineered.
Yes, when hospitality is done well, both in our homes and in our congregations, it’s because of careful planning and intentionality.
What if we prepared for Sunday worship the way we would when hosting guests at home?
What if each of us intentionally planned to be hospitable and a blessing to others at church in some way?
We are learning that hospitality is one of the best ways to love our neighbors. But it does far more than make people feel welcome. It reflects the character of Jesus. It strengthens relationships. It builds healthy communities. And it can transform lives when we focus on intentionally loving and being hospitable to others.
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 NIV
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