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Coming to Know and Follow Jesus

Hospitality: Sharing God’s Welcome

Hospitality: Sharing God's Welcome Book Cover Hospitality: Sharing God’s Welcome, Tammy Lindle, Herald Publishing House, Independence MO, 2006. ISBN 9780830912452.

This new resource focuses on reclaiming the biblical art of hospitality—the obligation of disciples to care for physical, social, and spiritual needs—and of welcoming strangers and guests into individual and corporate fellowship by creating a space for others to enter and be received as a friend. The chapters address issues of making room for hospitality in our lives and ministry; understanding the importance of food and fellowship; the power of recognizing the stranger as a child of God; exploring the shifting roles of the hosts and guests; sharing time and resources; remembering the guest; making room in our lives and congregations to receive others; looking at worship and the sacraments as an entry point for hospitality; addressing fear and boundary issues; and balancing our values and the needs of the guest. Beyond the theoretical focus provided, each of the six chapters includes a scripture focus with questions for individual or group reflection, a Community of Christ story of hospitality in practice, and a list of practical helps for congregations. A gifts assessment questionnaire is also provided as well as congregational guest surveys.

Companion Congregational Hospitality Tools are available from the Missionary Ministries office at http://www.cofchrist.org/seventy/resources.asp.