“Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing so some have entertained angels without knowing it.” Hebrews 13:2
Felicia once had a job as a secret shopper. She would do her shopping while carefully noting every aspect of the shopping experience. Later, in private, she would write up her report. Of course, the employees had no idea that there was a secret shopper in their midst. The Biblical text quoted above reminds us of the importance of paying attention to hospitality. God sends us secret shoppers each week and sometimes, perhaps, even angels.
This Sunday at TLC will be an amazing day in our life together. We will be receiving more than two dozen New Members and recognizing 35 college students who will be the recipients of TLC Scholarships. It was a joy to hear the stories that our New Members shared at a class on June 12th. They have come to TLC from across the country and from a variety of other denominations.
What attracted these folks to TLC? They were impressed with the music, the community outreach, an occasional good sermon, and the philosophy that “Mine is the Church Where Everybody’s Welcome.” But the number one answer was hospitality. The people of TLC welcomed them, the greeters smiled at them, the ushers were happy to see them, the coffee was made, and the cookies tickled their taste buds.
Hospitality is your work! Hospitality is our shared work! Most of us cannot sing like Karl. Most of us cannot preach like Pastor Elizabeth. Most of us do not play the bells or the organ, but all of us can take part in the ministry of hospitality. When hospitality is abundant and authentic, then the door is open for the Holy Spirit to touch hearts and change lives. When hospitality is absent, then we will probably never see those visitors again.
So I encouraged our New Members to help us “keep it going.” And, I encourage you to help us “keep it going.” Hospitality is not someone else’s work—it is our shared work. When you walk through those doors on Sunday morning, you are coming to worship, but you are also coming to serve. You are coming to worship, but you are also clocking in to work. That’s the attitude. Christianity is not a spectator sport! God has work for you to do in your family, your neighborhood, your school, and your workplace. Our shared work at TLC begins with HOSPITALITY.
See you Sunday!
Pastor Jim
