August 3, 2009

A Spirit of Hospitality

Every local church that I know thinks of itself as a “warm and friendly congregation.” That is an accurate description of many churches of all sizes, ethnicity, location, and theological slant. Unfortunately that is not true of many others.

I frequently have the opportunity to visit with different congregations as a guest preacher, a worshipper, or in some official role. In many instances people know me or recognize me because of my ministry in North Georgia and in those cases I receive a gracious welcome. On other occasions I am a stranger and it always amazes me at how often my presence is either unnoticed or uncomfortable. Much could be said about creating an inviting environment and appearance that lets people know they are welcome but that will be a subject for another time.

If I arrive early at a church I like to walk around the church buildings and I greet folks I meet as I tour the facilities. It still surprises me how many times I am either ignored or looked at suspiciously. It is as though they wonder who I am and what I am doing there but seldom does anyone ask. I speak to people as I enter the sanctuary and take my place in worship. Perhaps the most uncomfortable moments come when the congregation is invited to greet one another. Folks who have been sitting together since before the worship service began now stand and have lengthy conversations with their friends. That's not a bad thing but folks who are not regular attendees are often made to feel like outsiders and sometimes even unwelcome.

Hospitality was regarded by most nations of the ancient world as one of the chief virtues. The Jewish laws respecting strangers (Leviticus 19:33-34) are framed in the spirit of hospitality. The Apostle Paul wrote teh Christians in Rome and instructed them to “practice hospitality” (Romans 12:13). The writer of Hebrews says we should not “neglect to show hospitality” (Hebrews 13:2).

Present culture can be very inhospitable. I long for the time when hospitality will not be seen as an industry but recognized as an individual, personable trait that pervades our culture. And I think we Christians ought to lead the way in exhibiting welcome, warmth, kindness, and generosity--inside and outside the church.

A few years ago I was the guest preacher at a church in our conference. Upon arrival I was welcomed and invited into the senior minister’s office and my wife went on into the sanctuary to find her seat for worship. When the service began Lena was sitting with a woman that I assumed was a member of that congregation.

After the benediction I expected to be introduced to this gracious hostess. Instead, Lena introduced the woman as a traveler who had just arrived in town and stopped at the church to worship. No one from that congregation had greeted either of them. Lena invited this new friend to sit with her and to have lunch with us afterwards. No surprise. My wife never meets a stranger.

It would be great if every person knew they would receive that kind of welcome in every United Methodist church in North Georgia.

Last Saturday 285 people participated in workshops to help them develop “welcoming” congregations. Others wanted to attend but were re-directed to a web-based training because the registrations exceeded capacity. This is an encouraging indication that United Methodist congregations in North Georgia are actively seeking to reach out to the people in their communities and are ready to practice hospitality. May their number increase. What are you and your church doing to welcome the stranger?

Jamie Jenkins
jjenkins@ngumc.org

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Clergy Benefits Academy

All active clergy and spouses: The General Board of Pension and Health Benefits of The United Methodist Church invites you to attend the Clergy Benefits Academy! New ordinands, mid-career clergy, ready-to-retire clergy, district superintendents, clergy in extension ministries...you are invited! There's something for everyone! The Clergy Benefits Academy will be held October 5-7 in Lake Junaluska, NC. This event is a unique opportunity to learn about the many benefit issues that affect your life and ministry. You can even earn continuing education units (CEUs) for attending the Clergy Benefits Academy. Early-bird registration is $99 ($169 with spouse). After Aug. 28 registraion is $129 ($199 with spouse). Register at www.gbophb.org - click on "Events and Education."

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Upcoming Events

Conference Board of Laity Meeting - Tuesday, August 4, 2009
UMMen Executive Committee Meeting - Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Housing and Homeless Grant Application Workshop - Thursday, August 6, 2009
Great Start: Pastor and Finance Team - Thursday, August 6, 2009
Parish Life Executive Committee Meeting - Thursday, August 6, 2009

Entire Conference Calendar

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Links of Interest

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Lectionary Scriptures

Sunday, August 9

2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33
Psalm 130
Ephesians 4:25-5:2
John 6:35, 41-51

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