I have shared thoughts in a similar vein with colleagues and my congregation. We need to reflect on how much we will allow those we welcome to change who we were before they arrived and how much assimilation we assume (expect?) Something that I have found helpful when considering welcome is remembering that our local gathering is just a small part of the greater body. That means that you will find that there are familiar places where being received is easy and that if you keep searching you are likely to find your people somewhere.
So well written, I could see this as a screenplay. Real life often is beautiful isn’t it? With all its twists and turns, even in the ordinary. Especially in the ordinary.
Honestly didn’t see you going there…but, glad you did. Usually, anything beginning “All are welcome,” is often followed by a scolding about how, “we aren’t being welcoming enough!” So and so knows someone who once went somewhere and, finding it locked or not at the time indicated, turned around, left, “and never came back.” Yes, mistakes happen in bulletins, signs, webpages, etc. Yes, we should always make the extra effort to be welcoming to new people.
However, you brought up an often overlooked reality that the ‘other person’ has an obligation too. It was pointed out to me recently, that the ancient obligation of “hospitality” involves reciprocal obligations by both host and stranger. We don’t ever hear the second part nowadays. We seem to believe that all the relational responsibility rests exclusively with the host. This is not true. The guest has responsibilities too. As you pointed out, we’re offering a relationship. If the other isn’t willing to make some sort of effort, it’s going to be awfully one sided…and, ultimately unfulfilling to both parties.
Maybe, we should think a little more in terms of quality vs. quantity? Maybe we won’t have the biggest congregation in town…but, how about the best community? That wouldn’t show up on any metrics necessarily, but maybe the lives and souls of the participants might be a little bit better? I don’t know but, maybe God might smile on the latter every so often too?
I always notice that Jesus receives much more hospitality than he gives in the Bible. It's a little more uncomfortable, being the stranger. A little more vulnerable.
I have shared thoughts in a similar vein with colleagues and my congregation. We need to reflect on how much we will allow those we welcome to change who we were before they arrived and how much assimilation we assume (expect?) Something that I have found helpful when considering welcome is remembering that our local gathering is just a small part of the greater body. That means that you will find that there are familiar places where being received is easy and that if you keep searching you are likely to find your people somewhere.
So well written, I could see this as a screenplay. Real life often is beautiful isn’t it? With all its twists and turns, even in the ordinary. Especially in the ordinary.
thank you!
and yes - I think the stories of our lives, the real people we meet along the way and interact with - are so interesting and rich with meaning.
So great!
Honestly didn’t see you going there…but, glad you did. Usually, anything beginning “All are welcome,” is often followed by a scolding about how, “we aren’t being welcoming enough!” So and so knows someone who once went somewhere and, finding it locked or not at the time indicated, turned around, left, “and never came back.” Yes, mistakes happen in bulletins, signs, webpages, etc. Yes, we should always make the extra effort to be welcoming to new people.
However, you brought up an often overlooked reality that the ‘other person’ has an obligation too. It was pointed out to me recently, that the ancient obligation of “hospitality” involves reciprocal obligations by both host and stranger. We don’t ever hear the second part nowadays. We seem to believe that all the relational responsibility rests exclusively with the host. This is not true. The guest has responsibilities too. As you pointed out, we’re offering a relationship. If the other isn’t willing to make some sort of effort, it’s going to be awfully one sided…and, ultimately unfulfilling to both parties.
Maybe, we should think a little more in terms of quality vs. quantity? Maybe we won’t have the biggest congregation in town…but, how about the best community? That wouldn’t show up on any metrics necessarily, but maybe the lives and souls of the participants might be a little bit better? I don’t know but, maybe God might smile on the latter every so often too?
Thank you.
I always notice that Jesus receives much more hospitality than he gives in the Bible. It's a little more uncomfortable, being the stranger. A little more vulnerable.