Genesis 18:2-5 CEB: “As soon as [Abraham] saw [the three men], he ran from his tent entrance to greet them and bowed deeply. He said, ‘Sirs, if you would be so kind, don’t just pass by your servant. Let a little water be brought so you may wash your feet and refresh yourselves under the tree. Let me offer you a little bread so you will feel stronger, and after that you may leave your servant and go on your way — since you have visited your servant.’”

John 21:9-12 CEB: “When [the disciples] landed, they saw a fire [on the shore], with fish on it, and some bread. Jesus said to them, ‘Bring some of the fish that you’ve just caught.’ Simon Peter got up and pulled the net to shore. It was full of large fish, one hundred fifty-three of them. Yet the net hadn’t torn, even with so many fish. Jesus said to them, ‘Come and have breakfast.’”

The gift of hospitality facilitates connection and relationship between others and yourself as well as within a larger community. Hospitality is about invitation and welcome to authentic relationship. This can be expressed through gathering of people, facilitation of meaningful time together, or simple acts of invitation to spaces and opportunities that are hosted by others. Hospitality empowers you to joyfully encounter others and ensure that they know there is a place for them at the table.

At its core, hospitality means ensuring not only that others feel welcome within relational spaces but also that they know these spaces exist. Without those gifted in hospitality, people may never even realize that there is somewhere for them to belong. Those with this gift have a keen eye for noticing those who have yet to be invited and often seek out ways to reach out, reduce barriers and ensure that everyone is able to experience joyful community. Communities need those with this gift because they are often most attentive to what would make others feel a deeper sense of belonging and comfort in any given space or activity.

Some ways in which the gift of hospitality might show up in your spiritual and communal life:

• Ensuring that your church has accessible options in worship.
• Creating a new signage system so that guests know how to navigate your space.
• Inviting new people in your community to come over for lunch.
• Helping your community become a Reconciling in Christ congregation.

Looking for more opportunities? We encourage you to reach out to your local synod. Connect, collaborate and co-create with peers through the ELCA Leadership Network.