Hospitality That Reflects Christ

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. —Hebrews 10:24–25

Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
—Acts 2:46–47

Why Hospitality Starts with People, Not Food

As we develop the habit of inviting others in, it can be easy to start with what feels like the most controllable piece: the food. But remember, it’s not about the food; it’s about the people. When people step into our environment, our job is to put Jesus’ love on display, not to have a four-layer homemade strawberry cake with fresh mint from the backyard.

Creating a Simple Hospitality Rhythm

When it comes to inviting people over, it’s all about creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. You don’t have to worry about formalities like addressed invitations for elaborate meals. Hospitality should be simple, uplifting, and life-giving. Start small and take it one step at a time. I’ve put together some questions to consider before inviting others over; these are questions I still think about. I can even remember jotting down my answers in my journal. It’s just a small step, but it can help make hospitality a habit in our lives.

Hospitality Begins with a Nudge

Who do you feel a tug in your heart to invite?

Listening to the Holy Spirit in Hospitality

Pay attention to any specific individual who comes to mind. This recurring thought might be more than a coincidence—it could be a gentle nudge from the Holy Spirit encouraging you to reach out. Sometimes these reminders are God’s way of highlighting someone who may need your kindness or support.

Take a moment to reflect on why this person stands out to you. Perhaps they’re going through a challenging time, or maybe they’re just looking for a friend or a listening ear. Whatever the reason, jotting down their name could be an important step in acknowledging this prompting and acting on it.

By noting their name somewhere accessible, you not only validate your intuition but also set the intention to reach out later. This small act can be incredibly powerful, serving as a reminder to check in on them or extend an invitation—whether for coffee, a chat, or even a deeper discussion about faith. Your willingness to listen and be present might make a significant difference in their life.

Take the nudge seriously and be open to what unfolds. You never know how a simple invitation could lead to meaningful connections or transformative conversations.

Choosing the Right Setting for Hospitality

Where are you going to invite them?

Merriam-Webster defines invitation as “an often formal request to be present or participate.”* We can’t invite someone to something if we don’t have a destination. Whether it’s to a party or just to our home, there is always a destination for that invitation.

Why the Table Matters in Hospitality

It’s important to think through what you want the experience to be for you and your guest. Maybe it’s not feasible for you to invite someone into your home, so instead you meet for lunch after the church service on Sunday. Let me add a caveat and say that the distraction in a restaurant is much different from the distractions in your home. There is a foundational intimacy that comes from inviting someone into where you live, and vulnerability is naturally introduced into the conversation when you are in the comfort and seclusion of your own home. Just like you wouldn’t try to have your quiet time in the middle of a football stadium, it’s hard to have open and honest conversation in a public place. Remember, every invitation we extend to people to join us around our table is also an invitation to experience Jesus. So we want to find a place that is conducive to doing just that.

Preparing Conversation with Purpose

What are conversation topics you can prepare ahead of their arrival?

Is the person you invited going through something that you are aware of? Did they just move to the area? Or is the only thing you have in common with them that your children are in the same classroom? Think about planning conversation the way you would plan a recipe. If you want to make a crème brûlée, you don’t just turn on the oven and begin cracking eggs. You want to make sure you have the ingredients, the tools, and the time to make the recipe first.

Praying Over Hospitality Conversations

In the same way, we want to make sure we are prepared spiritually and mentally to invite others into our space. Invite God into the conversation and ask him to bless each word. Write out two or three topics and then pray over them that God would ordain the conversation. Just like he directs the words of pastors on Sunday mornings, we want to invite him to direct the time we have with our guests around our table.

As you prepare to open your home and heart, this chart serves as your guide for crafting meaningful invitations. It aims to empower hesitant hosts to become confident, intentional inviters by providing a straightforward framework to consider your guest list, gathering space, and conversation topics that can foster deeper connections. Each section of the chart prompts you to thoughtfully reflect on various aspects of your invitation—considering your guests’ needs and interests, selecting an inviting setting, and identifying topics that can inspire faith-filled dialogue. Utilizing this chart will enhance your clarity, confidence, and direction, transforming every invitation into a heartfelt opportunity to strengthen relationships and reflect Christ’s love in a welcoming atmosphere.

Following Up with Intentional Hospitality

How are you going to follow up with those you invite?

How Hospitality Grows Deeper Friendships

Staying in touch with new friends after inviting them into your home is key to building those relationships. A thoughtful follow-up shows that you truly appreciated the time spent together and are committed to keeping that connection alive. One of the simplest yet most meaningful ways to do this is by sending a handwritten note. In my family we call these a “happy,” an unexpected treat that’s given to show someone you were thinking about them. Receiving a letter in the mail that I was not expecting is such a “happy,” especially when I wasn’t anticipating it and the other letters I find in the mail usually have to do with boring responsibilities. Handwritten notes demonstrate genuine care and show that you took the time to craft a thoughtful message. A brief note expressing how much you enjoyed someone’s company or recalling a specific moment can leave a great impression. In today’s world of digital communication, taking the time to write and mail a note adds a personal touch that conveys your hospitality. This little act of intentionality shows you’ve been reflecting on your time together and are genuinely interested in growing the friendship, making future gatherings even more special.

Sometimes, writing a handwritten note just doesn’t happen, and that’s okay. If putting pen to paper feels overwhelming, don’t stress about it. What really matters is making the effort to follow up and be intentional with your response. A quick text is a simple and convenient way to stay connected and suggest another hangout. Something like “I had such a fantastic time hosting you the other night! Let’s plan to get together again soon!” keeps the fun going while feeling relaxed.

Often the conversations from your get-togethers can easily lead to another plan—whether it’s a movie night, grabbing coffee, or just having a phone chat to continue building those relationships after being together. Reaching back out to others shows that they matter to you and adds a richness and depth to your friendship. What’s even more beautiful is how these follow-up moments can blossom into deeper relationships, revealing unexpected blessings. A casual chat can turn into a trusted friendship, reminding us that every conversation holds the potential to enrich our lives in ways we never anticipated.

By actively pursuing these friendships, you’re not just making connections; you’re sharing love in a way that really resonates with others and helps strengthen those bonds. Trust that you’ll find your way through this process, and with your sincere efforts, you can build relationships that honor something truly special and leave a lasting impact.

* Merriam-Webster Dictionary, s.v. “invitation,” accessed January 31, 2025, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/invitation.