Hospitality is more than an open home; it is an open heart. If the church neglects to be hospitable, we miss the opportunity to welcome new people into the gift of community in which we have been involved. The truth is that much of the American culture does hospitality poorly in comparison to other countries around the world. We can keep to ourselves, hide our messes in closets, lock our front doors, and avoid adding one more thing to our calendars. If this is the attitude of believers, we are missing the gospel message to love others well and share Jesus with them. Today, we will address five ways to greet all the new faces at Church this Christmas.
“Oh, another ‘CEO’ (Christmas-Easter-Only) is taking up the good seat at the candlelight service.”
“Why are they here? I didn’t think they believed in God?”
“That person looks like he came off the street; I hope he keeps his distance because he smells so weird.”
These are examples of thoughts that many of us could be tempted to have at Christmas. It is so easy to fall into a judgmental attitude regarding Christmas services and events. As a believer, though, this is a vital time of outreach and considering those around us to witness to and include. Whether you have walked with God for one year or most of your days, it is your responsibility to look toward others and greet them like Christ.
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1. Keep a Name List in Your Phone Notes
My mother-in-law is the queen of remembering people’s names in her sweet community in Georgia. This is because privately after she meets someone who is a store owner or a friend of a friend while out in public, she takes a note with their name and some info about them in her phone. She is very intentional with learning and remembering others. It means so much to them the next time to see them that she knows their name and she remembers something about them. When greeting someone who is new at church this Christmas, consider going the extra step and writing down in your notes about them. Then, take time to pray for them as you look at their names and remember them.
Philippians 1:3 says, “I thank my God in all my remembrance of you.”
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2. Invite them to Your House
What? I just met someone and I should ask them into my home? Why not? If you have reason to be cautious with someone, you absolutely could meet in a public place. It just really means a lot to greet others with an invitation to come into your home. Think about the holidays with Christmas trees covered in bright lights, stockings hung, and candles burning for warmth. This is wonderful to enjoy with our immediate family, but it is such a sweet gift to welcome others into our space of living to celebrate the season. Whether for tea or coffee or a full meal, this could lead to long-lasting friendships. This could be a huge deal to those who live away from family. God has gifted us with the ability to welcome others in. It can mean so much to someone who is coming into a new church to be shown such a kind gesture of inclusion.
1 Peter 4:9 says, “Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.”
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3. Initiate a Hello
I cannot tell you how many friends I know who have shared their sadness of walking into a church building for a service to never be spoken to by the time they leave. This is not what the body of Christ is called to do. Although it is important for newcomers to take initiative as well, it is vital for us to greet others who are new.
Think about how the Bible talks about the efforts made towards foreigners or strangers. In a way, there are people walking among us who are foreign to our church communities. They are not known. If we neglect them and only ever speak to those who make us feel comfortable, we miss the gift of new friendships. We also might miss a clear opportunity to share the gospel. Sometimes, that first step of saying hi can often be the scariest. Once we put aside our selfishness, fear, or anything that hinders us from reaching out, we can get to know new people and bridge the gap.
Romans 12:13 says, “Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers.”
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4. Engage in Meaningful Small Talk
“How are you?” “Good. You?” can often be a short and shallow greeting. Try to have some topics you want to engage newcomers within your church setting.
Some examples could be:
“What is one of your favorite things about the holidays?”
“Is there any special tradition you enjoy this time of year?”
“What’s the hardest part about Christmastime for you?”
“Have you grown up going to Christmas services or is this your first time?”
In chaotic, busy groups it can be easy to get overwhelmed by the volume of people. Take time to simply focus on one person who you can reach out to and get to know on a deeper level. The depth of a conversation can be very powerful and effective in breaking down insecurities that you both might be facing. It also shows a level of care that we often do not think about in our everyday hustles.
Galatians 6:10 says, “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers."
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5. Share the Gospel with Them
It’s easy to assume that everyone knows the gospel of Jesus. Take a moment to tell them about the need for the Savior. You can ask to meet up to talk through each other's stories further, or you can do it right there.
Try using an app like The Story (www.thestoryfilm.com), God Tools (www.godtoolsapp.com), or Life on Mission App (www.namb.net/evangelism). You can go through these apps that have Scriptures and lead your conversation.
If you have a shorter time in person, you could simply just hear what their view of the gospel is and talk about how you are celebrating God’s faithfulness in your life to come to earth and take your place so you can go to heaven.
Enjoy the time with them and offer to pray with and for them. If this person is a believer, you can encourage them in their walk with God and welcome them to your church. If they are not, you have established a relationship with them and can begin being a light in their life of truth. We can so often feel afraid or embarrassed to share our faith with others, but God tells us not to be ashamed of the gospel.
Romans 1:16 says, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, and also to the Greek.”
As we ponder creative ways to engage those around us this Christmas season, may we be authentic, prayerful, and Spirit-led as we love with the power of Christ in us.
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Originally published Wednesday, 20 December 2023.