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Someone's at the Door
By Becky Hunter, September 14, 2007
You and I both know that when you are married to a pastor you learn to expect the unexpected. Yet, when I hear a knock on the door, even after 35 years in this role, I don’t feel totally “prepared” for a surprise guest. I’ve passed the stage where I throw things into closets and under the couch on my way to answer the door, but that may be due more to the fact that my children are grown and raising their own families, than to my maturing organizational abilities.
Helping others feel truly welcome in “our little piece of the world” will probably always be a stretching experience for most of us. Scripture is clear, though, about the importance of hospitality so it’s important we be willing to be stretched in this aspect of ministry:
It is important for us…
…in church leadership to practice hospitality and allow others to observe us in our homes where our character is most graphically revealed (1 Timothy 3:1-2; Titus 1:5-8).
…to include people of all cultures on our guests list; demonstrating the expansive love of our heavenly Father (John 3:16).
…whose homes are both a place of refuge and a center for evangelism to glorify our heavenly Father by our actions (1 Peter 2:11-12) and fulfill His instructions “to do the work of an evangelist” (2 Timothy 4:5).
…to develop hospitality management skills, for in this way we are capable of being faithful stewards of all that our Lord has provided for us (1 Corinthians 4:2).
…to practice biblical hospitality because in so doing we are demonstrating our love for God (1 John 3:17-18).
I have recently read, Devi Titus’, a pastor’s wife and GPWN board member, fantastic book on this topic, entitled Home Experience, The: Making Your Home A Sanctuary Of Love And A Haven Of Peace. If you, like me, are always looking for inviting and practical ways to be more hospitable, this book is one you will want to get your hands on.
Got to run. Someone’s at the door…really! Can you believe the timing? |
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