by: Russell McLaughlin

A Place That Knows No Stranger

“Let love of the brothers and sisters continue. 2 Do not neglect hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it.” Hebrews 13:1-2 (NASB)

            In every congregation there are two concentric circles.  According to those in the field of church growth, the larger outer circle is the membership circle, and the smaller circle is the fellowship circle.  Within the inner circle there are still other smaller circles of fellowship.

            These small circles of fellowship are vital to the life of the Church family.  They provide relationships for members that give support, affirmation, and growth.  However, sometimes our smaller circles can become closed and exclusive.

             We always need to guard against our own inner circle, becoming so preoccupied with itself that visitors and new members feel unwelcome.  Our circles of fellowship do their greatest good by being open and inclusive and their greatest damage by being closed and exclusive.  Take a close look at your inner circle.  Is it closed or open to visitors and new members?           

            Part of making visitors and new members feel included and welcome is extending hospitality, taking the initiative to visit with them. Speaking at a funeral of a dear friend’s mom, the family friend saying the final prayer, spoke before he prayed.  He explained that his becoming a Christian was due to this woman and her husband inviting him to lunch on his first Church visit and then studying with him.  It is treating others the way we would want them to treat us (Matthew 7:12) and treating others the way Jesus wants us to treat them (Mattthew 25:31-46). Let’s open our hearts, arms, homes, and lives to others.