Hospitality for Pilgrims

          Dorothy Bass, in a hopeful book about change in the mainline churches called Christianity for the Rest of Us, reflects on why churches’ ministry of hospitality matters so much today.

          For much of its history, the church has been a village institution. Families stayed put, for the most part. Children grew to inherit family occupations and inhabit family neighborhoods—and, of course, to attend the village church. The world has changed! Now, most Christians are geographic and religious pilgrims, on the move far from where they were born, and from church to church. And what used to be simply a matter of courtesy and friendliness now is a vital ministry to people who are seeking meaning, companionship, and supportive family in new places. And rather than be planted in one church tradition, more folks tend to be religious pilgrims, trying out various faith communities.

          The story of our congregation is one of pilgrims from the start: It was planted and grew among people who moved to this area to work in the burgeoning electronics industry in the early `60`s. So BPC has always been welcoming folks “from away,” and most members recall what it feels like being “new.”

          But the practice of Christian hospitality is not something we take for granted. One of the worst feelings a pastor can have comes upon seeing Sunday visitors standing unnoticed in the front entryway or at coffee hour. BPC family members near the front door on Sunday should always have as first priority saying Hi and Welcome, whether to visitors or long-time members. We should be prepared to offer information and assistance, such as asking visitors with children if they would like to know about our nursery or Sunday School classes. We can be ready to help newcomers meet other members who might have similar backgrounds and interests, or share information about connecting with church activities.

          What we used to call our church “Membership” committee has now become the Hospitality committee. That’s an appropriate change, and overdue! But a church’s genuine hospitality is not a committee matter, it is a calling that all of us should hear, and practice.

Peace,

          Rod