As we enter November, we're highlighting Hospitality as one of the key practices in our Shared Way of Life. This is more than just offering a meal or hosting a gathering—it's about being fully present, welcoming, and loving to those around us.
Hospitality in the Early Church The early Christians practiced a kind of hospitality that was radical for its time. They didn’t just open their homes to friends or people like them—they welcomed strangers, the sick, the poor, and orphans. This was a reflection of their deep belief in loving others as Christ had loved them. It was personal, intentional, and transformative.
However, over time, as the church grew, much of this care was handed over to religious institutions and professionals. Ministries for the poor and sick became formalized, and the practice of welcoming others in everyday life began to fade. At Open Church, we are committed to reclaiming this spirit of hospitality from the early church. We believe that this practice is for everyone—not just leaders or those with special training. Hospitality is something we can practice wherever we are—at home, at work, in our neighborhoods, and beyond.
Fear of the Stranger Sometimes, our fear of the stranger holds us back from engaging in hospitality. The Bible speaks to this in Matthew 25:31-46, where Jesus shares the parable of the sheep and the goats. In this passage, Jesus explains that whenever we help those in need—feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, welcoming strangers, clothing the naked, caring for the sick, and visiting the imprisoned—we are serving Him. This means that our acts of hospitality, even towards those who may seem like strangers or outsiders, are seen as acts of love towards Christ Himself. In this passage, Jesus says, "I was a stranger, and you welcomed me." The call to hospitality is not just about those we know—it’s about welcoming the outsider, the marginalized, and the forgotten. In our context, this means seeing the face of Christ in those who are different from us, those who challenge our comfort zones, and those whose experiences we may not fully understand. It means stepping out in faith to extend welcome, even when it feels risky or inconvenient. True hospitality requires us to see beyond stereotypes and fears, and instead, to see the inherent dignity and worth in every person, recognizing that in serving them, we are serving Christ himself.
Hospitality invites us to overcome fear and embrace the unknown. We never know the impact that one simple act of kindness can have on someone's life, and often, we may be transformed in the process.
Reimagining Hospitality Today What could hospitality look like today? It’s not just about inviting someone over for dinner, although that’s a beautiful place to start. It’s about creating spaces where others feel seen, valued, and loved. It might mean offering a listening ear to a coworker who’s going through a tough time, spending time with someone who feels isolated, or reaching out to a new neighbor.
Wherever you are, you can offer the gift of your attention and care—whether at home, work, or in your community. And this month, we encourage you to experiment with this practice in simple ways that fit your context. You don’t need to have a perfect plan—just start small. For example:
Invite a neighbor or coworker out for coffee and a chat.
Offer to help a neighbor with a small task, such as carrying groceries or raking leaves.
Bring a home-cooked meal or baked goods to someone who might need a little extra care.
Spend time volunteering with one of our Community Impact Partners, such as the Hope Resource Center or Sanctuary Night. These ministries are deeply committed to welcoming and serving those who are often overlooked in our society. If you’re interested in learning more, please email sisterheather@openchurchcolumbus.org to get connected.
Join Us in Practicing Radical Hospitality As we journey through November, let's recapture the spirit of radical hospitality from the early church. Whether it's volunteering, spending time with loved ones, or simply being present to those around you, we can make God’s love tangible through small acts of care.
To learn more about the practices in our Shared Way of Life, including hospitality, email Sister Heather at sisterheather@openchurchcolumbus.org. Let's lean into this practice together and see where the Spirit leads us.
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