The Heart of Hospitality: Opening Doors for the Gospel
Walk into any Chick-fil-A, and you'll notice something different. Sure, the food is good , but it’s the culture that stands out. Every interaction, from the warm greeting to the familiar "My pleasure," reflects intentional hospitality. It’s not just customer service — it’s a commitment to making people feel valued. The same can be said for world-class hotels, where the details matter. Clean rooms, thoughtful amenities, and friendly staff all work together to create an environment where guests feel cared for and at ease.
But what if we looked beyond restaurants and hotels? What if hospitality wasn’t just about business but about the way we live our lives? True hospitality, especially from a Christian perspective, is more than impressing guests — it’s about serving them. It’s not entertaining with perfect decor and elaborate meals; it's creating space where people feel safe, seen, and at home.
A couple of my friends, Grant and Amy, once shared something about their approach to hospitality that stuck with me. When they bought furniture, they intentionally chose pieces they wouldn’t stress over if someone accidentally spilled a drink. Why? Because people mattered more than possessions. They didn’t want guests to feel like they were walking on eggshells. Their home was designed for connection, not perfection.
And hospitality isn’t confined to our homes. My wife, Taylor, exemplifies what I call traveling hospitality. No matter where she is, she has a way of making people feel at home. Jesus himself modeled this beautifully. He didn’t invite people into his house — he went to theirs. Whether he was breaking bread with tax collectors or reclining at a friend’s table, something remarkable happened when Jesus was present: walls came down, and hearts opened up.
That’s the true power of hospitality. It creates space for vulnerability, authenticity, and ultimately, relationship. When we intentionally welcome others, something shifts. People relax, conversation flows more freely, and friendships deepen. Hospitality increases relationship because it moves people from acquaintances to friends. It creates belonging in a world where loneliness often wins. And for Christians, it goes even deeper—it opens doors for the gospel.
Think about it. When someone feels safe in your home, they’re more likely to share what’s really going on in their life. When they know they’re loved without conditions, they become more open to hearing about the ultimate source of that love. That’s one of the reasons I love Alpha so much! Alpha starts with a meal around a table — and as the walls come down, the hearts open up. Hospitality makes way for honest, life-changing conversations. In the hospitality industry, the goal might be increased revenue. But in the Kingdom, hospitality leads to increased relationship, love, and, often, transformation.
That’s why hospitality matters. It strengthens relationships, builds trust, creates a sense of belonging, and opens doors for the gospel. Romans 12:13 reminds us to "Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality," while Hebrews 13:2 urges, "Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares." It’s clear that hospitality isn’t just a nice gesture — it’s a biblical calling.
So, how can you start practicing hospitality today? It’s simpler than you might think:
Take the Leap: Invite someone into your home, even if it’s not spotless. Focus on the person, not the presentation. A simple meal or coffee goes a long way. You don’t have to have a gift of hospitality to answer the call of hospitality.
Choose Connection Over Perfection: Like Grant and Amy’s approach to furniture, prioritize comfort and relationship. Create an environment where people aren’t worried about messing something up. Paper plates will do just fine!
Be Fully Present: Put the phone down. Look people in the eye. True hospitality is about showing someone they have your full attention. Eliminate distractions, even if that means turning off the t.v. (or keeping it out of your primary spaces altogether).
Pay Attention: See a need, meet a need. In Unreasonable Hospitality, restauranter and author Will Guidara talks about how he inspired his wait staff to be “dream catchers,” tuning into the whispered desires of their guest to go above and beyond in practically serving them (in surprising ways).
Carry Hospitality with You: Like Taylor, practice traveling hospitality. Whether at work, church, or a coffee shop, be the person who makes others feel seen and valued.
Ultimately, hospitality is a bridge. It turns strangers into friends and opens hearts to the life-changing message of Christ. It’s not about perfect homes or flawless meals — it’s about creating space where love can do its work. And when we choose hospitality, we’re not just inviting people into our homes; we’re inviting them to experience the heart of God.