A Moment With Pastor Fred

One of the greatest blessings our family enjoyed together was the ministry of hospitality. Our children grew up expecting people to be in our home. What rich memories we share – the blessings have truly been ours.  “Offer hospitality to one another,” 1 Pet 4:9.  Hospitality is love in action. We open our hearts by opening our homes. Sue and I continue to be blessed through this ministry.

Hospitality played a key role with NT church growth, Acts 5:42. The home is a natural setting for sharing the gospel – non-threatening, informal and personal. The first Gentile converts were not saved in a cathedral but in the home of Cornelius, Acts 10. “But I don’t have a big house.” Hospitality isn’t to impress others – it’s done to express God’s love!  “But I’m not the entertaining type.” Hospitality isn’t an option for certain personalities – it’s a command for every Christian. 

Today the Missions Team wishes to encourage us in our hospitality. Sue and I have found we must plan for it. We need to seek opportunities in which to practice it. It won’t always be convenient – and as Peter reminds us, we’re to do it without grumbling.  It doesn’t have to be a five-course dinner. It can be sharing fellowship over a bowl of soup.  Reach out.  Inviting guests to our homes is a wonderful way to show others that “they belong here.”