Friendliness vs. Hospitality

Parkway is a pretty friendly congregation but friendliness is a subset of Hospitality and is not equal to Hospitality. Hospitality is bigger than friendliness.

We’ve been talking in our Elder qualification class about hospitality and understand that although hospitality is an imperative for Elders it is required of all Christians. Here are some suggestions for being hospitable to new members.

- Share a meal with the new members. Either at home or in a restaurant.

- If you can’t share a meal make some cookies or give a small gift along with saying something like… “welcome to the congregation”.

- Since new members are new to town recommend Auto repair shops, Doctors, Dentists, restaurants, etc.

- Give your cell number to them along with saying something like… “If you’re ever in a bind or just want to talk… call me”

- Find them on Facebook and send a “friend” request.

My goal is that every single member of the congregation would act hospitably to our new members.