The Hospice-Hospitality Tool

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How does your congregation How does your congregation currently behave?currently behave?

congregations have a cultural mid-point...

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That midpoint will behave as That midpoint will behave as if the church is:if the church is:- On

Hospice- A

Hospital- Into

Hospitality

©this tool is from Ed Kail -2--2--2--2-

Hospice Churches• Are focused on

buildings and

reducing costs

• May feel

isolated

• May be of any

size -3--3--3--3-

Hospice Churches need to think realistically about how to use their

remaining time

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Hospital Churches• Are focused on

meeting the

needs of those

inside their

walls

• May feel

comforting and

comfortable-5--5--5--5-

Hospital Churches need to be honest about their

“in-house” perspective on mission

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Hospitality Churches

• Are focused

on those

outside their

walls

• They are

committed to

meeting the

needs of

their

community

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Hospitality Churches need to be clear that the love of Jesus is what drives them

outward

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How does your congregation behave?

Hospice - 1/2 way - Hospital - 1/2 way - Hospitality

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Every church has problems and opportunities

Hospice Churches may become

depressed and past oriented,

But, they can make choices that will both care for their

membership and leave a

legacy.

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Every church has problems and opportunities

Hospital Churches may become

a self-centered clique,

Or they can become mission minded,

winsome examples of Christian

community.

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Every church has problems and opportunities

Hospitality

Churches may lose their

Christian identity

and become a social

club,

But, they are in the best position

to grow and spread the

Gospel.

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Remember, we are talking about behavior.

Group behavior can change, but it takes intentional

leadership.

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Reality Check 101Reality

Check 101CreditsCredits

H-H-H tool was developed by Ed Kail. He and Julia Kuhn Wallace also developed the

Partnersteps shared ministry resource.

Small Church Commission is an agency of the Western PA Conference, UMC.

Reality Check 101 text by Bill Kemp. He is also the author of other resources

relating to church change found at: www.notperfectyet.com