An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable able to teach, not addicted to wine or pugnacious, but gentle, peaceable, free from the love of money. 1 Timothy 3:2-3
Over the last year while my husband was preparing to become one of the elders at our church (family integrated, shared leadership), we were able to take a good look at the qualifications of an elder/pastor. We came to the conclusion, that even though the Bible says that these are the qualifications of an elder, these qualities really should be something all men should strive to have in their lives. And us as the wives should support our husbands in accomplishing that goal.
I have heard people's concern about family integrated church not being capable to reach out to unbelievers. What they don't realize, is that we have such a strong, invaluable ministry right here in our own homes. Simple good old fashioned hospitality. We are all capable of inviting others into our homes. I will admit, having people over to our home can take me out of my comfort zone. But the time is always rewarding in the end. Street evangelism is a good thing. But I will dare to say that bringing others into your home where they can see your faith in action, speaks louder than you think. They get to see what true Christian service, like Jesus showed us, works. We get to shine the Lord's light and love by being hospitable.
So how can we as wives support our families in becoming more hospitable? This is something that I am learning. One thing that has helped me, is changing my view of my home. Our home is not only the place where we dwell. Our home can be a ministry tool for hospitality. When viewing our homes as ministry tools, we can be more inclined to care for it better. We want our guests to come in and feel at home. Leaving the toilet uncleaned for who knows how long, will not make our home a pleasant place to come to (GUILTY!!). Another way to support this (which I fail all too often) is passing this view of our home as our tool, onto our children. We want our children to take care of the tool God gave us, by keeping their legos off of the floor so guests don't puncture their feet when they come in. We can support our husbands, by always having a spur of the moment meal planned for the times when our husbands spring it on us that some people are coming over for dinner.
We have been to MANY churches over the last 12 years of our marriage. It is sad to say, that the majority of the churches have very shallow fellowship, and hospitality is practically non existent. It's become a lost ministry. The fellowship on Sunday's consist of people giving short "Hi, how are you" 's that are said only out of politeness rather than actual concern over how well you are. Others are just another face that passes by each Sunday, only to be forgotten the next day. I can count on one hand the amount of times were invited to dinner while attending churches in the past. Seeing people only on Sundays will not grow the kind of fellowship we need, in order to call each other brother and sister. I believe Jesus knew exactly why we needed to come together over meals. Bonds are made in an unexplainable way when we break bread with others.
So my goal, is to become more hospitable, and be ready to welcome others into my home. I want the Lord to use me and my home to witness to those who don't know Him. I want my home to be a place where discipleship can take place.
When was the last time you invited a new family into your home? How do you show hospitality? When was the last time YOU were invited by someone new?
By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another. John 13:35
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