THIRTY-FOUR

Radical Hospitality

“Hospitality means primarily the creation of free space where the stranger can enter and become a friend instead of an enemy. Hospitality is not to change people, but to o er them space where change can take place. It is not to bring men and women over to our side, but to o er freedom not disturbed by dividing lines.”

– Henri J.M. Nouwen –

There is phrase we use to describe how we welcome others into the presence of our Lord: “Radical Hospitality.” Radical hospitality is hospitality that goes beyond being friendly; it is welcoming guests with a warmth, openness, and an authenticity that significantly exceeds expectations. It is intentional friendliness that surprises and delights people by making them feel noticed, giving them personal attention, and providing excellent follow-through. It is a warmth that makes folks feel so welcome they want to return again and again.

When we live into the principles of radical hospitality, we give people a taste of the Kingdom of God. When hospitality is done well, it changes lives. Maya Angelou is often attributed with saying that “people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

The di erence between friendliness and radical hospitality is intentionality. We have to notice people: not just at church, but in life – for that is the way Jesus lived. We need to o er a warm greeting to each guest we encounter, and then be on the lookout for people and environmental issues that need special attention. We then need to follow through on our contacts and let people know that we welcome them into our lives.

We have a wonderful experience of radical hospitality at White’s Chapel: an event that begins the Advent season – we call it our Christmas Festival. It is a magical evening where families come for fun and fellowship. They come for the animals and for the food, and for the live nativity; they come to connect with each other and, prayerfully, with the real Purpose of the season.

And it’s all free. It’s a gift that we give to the community.

Following this past year’s festival, we received a note from a community member who shared her experience. She brought her children and a teacher friend. This is what she wrote of their night:

“Hello! I just wanted to extend our heartfelt gratitude for the Christmas event you made available to our community. It was such a memorable and magical evening. A special thanks for making it handicap accessible and friendly. My nine-year-old daughter is terminally ill with a neurological disorder, so every smile meant the world to us. She is losing her vision as well so it was so nice to see her taking in all the holiday magic. Her two younger siblings made some amazing memories with her as well.

Her favorite parts of the evening were visiting Santa’s Reindeer, watching the train village, petting the animals, the fireworks show, getting kisses from the Angels, and of course the cotton candy! She was smiling and laughing all evening.

We wanted to extend a special thanks to the reindeer team. They were so accommodating and friendly to our daughter. Thank you once again!”

That is the church at its best! When we live into the principles of radical hospitality, we give people a taste of the Kingdom of God. By showing our neighbors that they are welcome and accepted, we become physical manifestations of Christ’s love. In so doing, we tear down negative stereotypes of Christians and include others in the circle of our love. Jesus is our Lord! May we show that through loving and welcoming others with radical hospitality.