Hospitality and the Heart of the Gospel Sample

Church Leaders and Beyond: Hospitable Hearts Required

When you hear the word "hospitality," you may think of entertaining or hosting. And while it certainly can involve those things, it’s not limited to them. Hospitality is, first and foremost, a matter of the heart. Whatever the outward activity, if our hearts aren't in it, we won’t reflect the heart of Jesus.

The same was true for leaders in the early church. We see the epistles connect leadership with character. In 1 Timothy 3:2 and Titus 1:7-8, Paul stresses that leaders must embody qualities reflecting Christ’s heart, with hospitality being one of those qualities. While we often think of hospitality as simply being a good host, for those who shepherd the flock, it involves much more.

Paul describes an overseer as someone who is above reproach, self-controlled, and gentle, which are qualities that reflect Christ’s character. For church leaders, hospitality may involve opening one’s home, but it is also about creating space in life to love and serve others. It encompasses being present in people’s lives, offering care, counsel, and encouragement. Leadership in the church is built on relationships, and hospitality plays a key role in fostering those connections.

True shepherding happens when leaders actively engage with their flock, not only during formal church events, but in everyday life. This relational hospitality models the gospel to the congregation. When leaders fail to be hospitable, the church may become inward-focused and disconnected.

Consider the impact of a leader’s hospitality. If they are welcoming and generous with their time, the church will likely reflect those same qualities. If they are distant or self-focused, the congregation may mirror that behavior. Hospitality is an essential quality for elders, although it’s not specifically listed for deacons in 1 Timothy 3:8-13. While deacons focus more on service, elders are called to shepherd spiritually, and hospitality is the heartbeat behind the ways they care for their flock.

Even though hospitality isn't a listed requirement for deacons, it remains a valuable practice for all Christians. It reflects Christ’s love, a love that welcomes the broken, lost, and hurting. Whether as leaders or members, we are all called to extend hospitality, showing Christ’s love through our actions and attitudes.

Ultimately, Christian hospitality isn’t about entertaining; it’s about fostering relationships, reflecting Christ’s love, and serving others. As we lead and serve in the church, let’s remember that true hospitality, whether through our homes or hearts, reflects the character of Christ.

Reflect and Act

Are there places in your life where you are exercising leadership? This could be within the church, but it could also be outside the church (for example, parenting, in school, at work, etc.). Is the act and attitude of hospitality part of your leadership?

Think of a leadership context in which you might add an element of hospitality this week.