inviting strangers to become family
hos·pi·tal·i·ty
\ˌhäspəˈtaləd·ē\
noun
the friendly and generous reception and entertainment of guests, visitors, or strangers
And yet, Biblical hospitality is so much more.
The New Testament word translated as “hospitality” is literally translated “the familial love of a stranger.” In other words, hospitality is that loving posture and practice that transforms a stranger into family. This kind of hospitality used to be a marker of the church, but we have often forgotten it.
The Table Project endeavors to restore hospitality as a defining posture and practice of the Church.
“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 offer them space where change can take place. It is not to bring men and women over to our side, but to offer freedom not disturbed by dividing lines.”
—Henri Nouwen
God always extends his hospitality to us.
God the Father created to welcome us into his trinitarian life. He redeemed us in Christ so that we can have welcome at his family-forming table. Through the power of His Spirit, we are called to extend this hospitality to others.
The Table Project
The Table Project equips local churches, pastors, and leaders in the ministry of hospitality. Hospitality is not simply another program. Rather, it is a posture that must be embodied throughout the life of the church.
“The Christian mission is nothing more or less than our participation in the hospitality of God.”
— Amos Yong