My wife, Carla, and I recently found ourselves in an unfamiliar position—searching for a new church home. After nearly thirty-nine years of marriage and my decades of serving as a pastor, this was a new experience for us. As we embarked on this journey, we quickly realized something significant was missing in many churches we visited.
A Strong First Impression, but Something Was Lacking
Before visiting, I compiled a list of churches to explore and researched them online. Once we started attending services, I was pleased to see many strengths in these churches:
Powerful Preaching: The pastors delivered well-prepared and impactful messages. The dedication to teaching God’s Word was evident and inspiring.
Engaging Worship: Most services featured contemporary music, enhanced by media and technology. Worship was heartfelt and sincere.
Welcoming Atmosphere (On the Surface): Churches had well-organized entrances, friendly greeters, and clear signage, making it easy for visitors to navigate the facilities.
However, despite these positives, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something crucial was missing.
The Missing Piece: Genuine Hospitality
While churches excelled in preaching, worship, and organization, they often lacked a personal touch. Hospitality—the biblical practice of “love to strangers”—was largely absent. As newcomers, we expected at least a simple acknowledgment, a conversation, or an effort to connect. Instead, we often felt invisible.
This experience opened my eyes to how challenging it can be for visitors to integrate into a new church community. A warm greeting or a genuine effort to connect could transform a visitor from an outsider to a valued part of the congregation.
Biblical Foundations of Hospitality
Scripture repeatedly emphasizes the importance of hospitality:
Romans 12:13 – "Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality."
Hebrews 13:2 – "Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares."
In biblical times, hospitality meant welcoming strangers into one's home, offering food, shelter, and care. Today, hospitality in the church context means recognizing, engaging, and embracing newcomers as part of the church family.
What Hospitality Looks Like in the Church
Hospitality transforms visitors from feeling like outsiders to experiencing genuine belonging. When someone attends a service and no one acknowledges them, something vital is missing.
How Can We Cultivate Hospitality?
Leaders Must Set the Example
Pastors, staff, and church leaders should be the first to practice hospitality. A simple “Good morning!” or “Glad you’re here!” can make all the difference.
Recognize that church is not just about delivering a sermon or hosting an event—it’s about people connecting in Christ’s love.
Teach and Train the Congregation
How often is hospitality taught from the pulpit? Churches should include hospitality in sermons, small groups, and leadership training.
Provide practical steps on how to engage visitors.
Practical Ways to Show Hospitality
Notice People: Keep an eye out for new faces. Visitors may not always introduce themselves, so take the initiative.
Engage in Conversation: Ask about their name, background, or interests. A small interaction can leave a lasting impression.
Follow Up: If you meet a visitor, remember their name and greet them personally the next time they attend.
A Wake-Up Call for the Church
Years ago, I received an email from a visitor who had attended our church for three months. He appreciated the sermons but made a heartbreaking observation: “No one has ever come up to us to welcome or speak to us.”
This realization changed me. No church should allow a visitor to walk in and leave without feeling seen, welcomed, and valued. When we fail to practice hospitality, we risk losing people who are searching for a place to belong.
The Call to Love Strangers
Hospitality is more than a nice gesture—it’s a calling from God. A church that embraces hospitality will not only retain visitors but will also create a culture of warmth, love, and true community.
May we all strive to be a church that welcomes strangers with open arms, turning them into family in Christ.
100% agree. This year my focus is on hope, hospitality, honor, humility and harmony (All of which are words found in Romans 12). Your article has strongly confirmed this and greatly appreciate you sharing it!