Hospitality Matters
“...extend hospitality to strangers.” Romans 12:13b

Carmela noticed the lapel button on the Parking Lot Greeter; it read: “Ask Me” but since this was her first time to visit the church, she was too shy to ask what it meant.

As she entered the front door of the church, the greeter at the entrance also had the same button on her blouse: “Ask Me” but once again, because there were other people entering the church at the same time, Carmela was reluctant to ask what it meant.

By the entrance to the sanctuary, Carmela noticed that one of the ushers was also wearing the same button: “Ask Me.”

Finally, her curiosity got the better of her, so she asked, “What does your button mean?” The usher grinned and replied, “We have many people who come into our building for the first time and this is one way to designate specific people to whom they can ask for information. How may I help you?”

Carmela breathed a sigh of relief and said, “I’m glad to know if I have any questions that there are so many people to whom I can turn and ask.”

After taking a seat in the sanctuary, Carmela gave thanks to God for directing her to a congregation that showed such concern for first-time visitors.

Questions to Ponder

1. If visitors come to your church, to whom would they turn if they have questions?
    
2. What system does your congregation use to intentionally designate specific people to “meet and greet” visitors?
    
3. How might your congregation “extend hospitality to strangers”?
    

Writer: Robert Dealey
Copyright © 2005 Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
May be reproduced for local, non-sale use provided the above copyright notice is included.
E-Tips, Division for Congregational Ministries - Evangelism.
www.elca.org/evangelism

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