Growing in hospitality
Women of the ELCA grows as its participants grow.
Our mission calls for bold action on our faith. To act boldly on our faith, we must grow in the spiritual practice of hospitality, which enables us to see Christ in the other person and to build a relationship with that person.
Hospitality does more than “do for others” or throw money at a project. True hospitality requires us to address our fears, to forgive our and others’ past sins and mistakes, and to live joyfully in the knowledge and acceptance of grace.
Practice doesn’t so much make perfect as it makes permanent. The more we practice hospitality--living in grace, taking risks, and forgiving ourselves and others--the more permanent this practice will become and the more inviting and open our organization will be. Here are some places to start:
- Hospitality: More Than Warm and Friendly: True hospitality is a transforming way of life that changes our hearts and opens us to meeting the needs of others as a natural part of our discipleship. This resource is designed for individual study but can also be used by groups and will take about 60 minutes to complete.
- Best Practices for the Inviting Congregation: Some ideas you may find helpful.
- Bibliography: A list of books that may be helpful reading as you get started in or grow in your practice of hospitality.
- Welcoming the Stranger: This downloadable resource is designed to help the church family open its hearts and doors to the stranger, especially those marginalized by society. It includes scripture references, role plays, an action plan, and devotions. You may choose to use this resource in multiple-week sessions of 45 minutes or in a retreat setting.
For more on growing from being an inviting group into being a fully welcoming group, explore our radical welcome page.