“Do Not Neglect to Show Hospitality…”

Robert Steedwww.vicpastors.adventist.org.auPersonal Use only

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Outline

•Loneliness•Biblical Concept of Hospitality•Methods•Social Activity

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Epidemic of Loneliness

“The number of people living on their own is now growing so rapidly that by 2006 they will form the dominant household type. Thirty per cent of the population will be living alone.” Home Alone VERICA JOKIC, ABC Television

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Depression

“The dark side of this story is that more people will be experiencing loneliness and alienation, feeding our epidemic of depression.” Hugh McKay

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Social Structures

Since the late 1960s has been the “…collapse or erosion of many of the social structures around which people built relationships, personal worth and belonging.” Lindsay Tanner Federal Politician

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Epidemic of Loneliness

“A recent study found that 10 per cent of elderly Australians see another person on average less than twice a week.” Lindsay Tanner, Federal Labor Member for Melbourne

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Loneliness and Your Immune System• Lonely people's immune systems go haywire, so no wonder they

are more likely to get sick and die young, researchers say.

• "What this study shows is that the biological impact of social isolation reaches down into some of our most basic internal processes: the activity of our genes," Cole says. "We have known for years that there is this epidemiological relationship between social support - how many friends and family members you have around you - and a whole bunch of physical outcomes.“

• "The other is that there is something about being isolated and lonely that changes your body."Lonely? Your immune system's in overdrive Maggie Fox Reuters 2007

Loneliness

“Without the correction, the reflection, the support of other presences, being is not merely unsafe; it is a horror.”

George Macdonald

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Hospitality Heart of the Gospel

“I was hungry and you feed me...”

“Do not neglect to welcome strangers”

“...social relations that Christianity comes in contact with the world.”

“The Saviour mingled with men as

one who desired their good.”

“Practice hospitality.”

“...when you give a banquet, invite the poor,

the crippled, the lame, the blind...”

“Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling”

“…the ministry of reconciliation.”

Do Not Neglect

“Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers…” Hebrews 13:2

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Jesus Said ...

“When you give a luncheon, or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or relatives, or your rich neighbours; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. But when you give a

banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed…” Luke 14:12,13

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Romans 12: 9-13

“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God’s people who are in need.

Practice hospitality.”

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1 Peter 3: 8

“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.

Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling”

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Indicator of Faith

“I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in” Matthew 25:35

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A Subversive Activity

“He eats with tax collectors and sinners.”

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Early Church

“…the remarkable explosion of Christianity in the first century was due not only to proclamation of the gospel, but to the extraordinary quality of Christian hospitality.” Mortimer Arias (Soul Feast Marjorie J Thompson)

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Paulinus Bishop of Nola•“ As I have said you have undertaken two

saintly roles, by refusing to own the land you have retained, and by achieving perfection through that which you have sold. So in your apparent role of owner you are perfect, because your mind is free from the ties of possessions; mindful of how short the time is, you fulfill Paul’s injunction by possessing without possessing, for your keep possessions not for yourself but for those with nothing.

Paulinus Bishop of Nola•You play host in your house so that your

house may be a hospice. You are a traveler from your native land and an exile in this world that you may dwell in Paradise and be a citizen of your former country. You do not crowd your houses with dining tables, or cram them with masses of furniture or wealth. You measure off a corner for yourself and fill the house with travelers and beggars.

Paulinus Bishop of Nola•You live as a fellow servant with your own

slaves. The temporary lodging which is your dwelling you do not possess like the father of a household, but you lodge there like a mercenary or a lodger, paying the Lord a regular rent for the favor of the lodging by serving your neighbour with body and mind.” And You Welcomed Me Amy G Ogden p44

Celtic Christianity

•Patrick•Arrive in Ireland

405AD•Celtic Church was

isolated from Europe during the Dark Ages.

•By late sixth century sent missionaries throughout Europe.

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Celtic Hospitality

The Rule of Ailbe, one of the bishops of Ireland, recommended “a clean house for the guests and big fire, washing and bathing for them, and a couch without sorrow.”

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Celtic Hospitality

“Hospitality was an inflexible rule of all Celtic settlements. Dire penalties were to be inflicted on those who failed to supply the wants of the needy. The care of the wayfarer and pauper, the widow and orphan, was regarded as a most important practice of the Celtic Christian.” “No call for help was ever denied.” Leslie Hardinge

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Ellen White: Christ’s Method

•“Christ's method alone will give true success in reaching the people. The

Saviour mingled with men as one who desired their good. He showed His sympathy for them, ministered to their needs, and won their confidence. Then He bade them, "Follow Me.“ Ellen White Ministry of Healing, p. 143.

Connecting With The Lost

“It is through the social relations that Christianity comes in contact with the world.” Ellen White

Welcome Mat Ministry

Hospitality is the “welcome mat” ministry of God’s Kingdom.

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Newcomers

80% of newcomers to church are brought by a friend or family member.

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Why Is It So Important?Hospitality helps “Create (a) safe

surroundings in which to hear a dangerous message.” Bill Hybels

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The Great Leveler

“No matter what our backgrounds or assets, we are all eaters and drinkers. It is the great leveler. “ Christine Pohl Making Room

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Belonging

For most people, "belonging comes before believing.” John Finney

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The Roman Way of Evangelism

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Decision

Presentation

Fellowship

The Celtic Way of Evangelism

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Ministry & Conversation

Fellowship

Belief, Invitation to Commitment

All Called

•For some… hospitality is as natural as breathing. For others the practice must be acquired. For all the gift must be nurtured.” Karen Mains (p175 Pohl Making Room)

•“…hospitality is something that can be stretched into.”

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The State of Hospitality

1. Newcomers are seeking relationship before truth.

2. Adventists do not spend as much time with non-church goers as other Christians.

3. Those with the gift of hospitality and evangelism are often too busy doing “maintenance ministry”.

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The State of Hospitality4. Many ministries of the church are failing

to succeed because of their inability to connect with seekers.

5. Newcomers led by a friend or family member have more staying ability.

6. Adventist lowest quality characteristic from the Natural Church Development is – loving relationships. ( based on 57 churches 2003)

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6. Relationships

Increasing the Strength of Relationships

1. Forget the Silver Service. Get to a point of normality as soon as you can in your relationship.

2. Keep your entertainment simple so they can easily return your hospitality.

3. Do lots of fun activities. Fun activities quickly build relationships.

4. Find excuses to love their kids.5. Take an interest in their interests.6. Do the little things7. Anticipate problems in their life.8. Ask for their help. Make your relationship two-

way by asking their assistance when needed.

Christ’s Method“Christ's method alone will give true success in reaching the people. The Saviour mingled with men as one who desired their good. He showed His sympathy for them, ministered to their needs, and won their confidence. Then He bade them, "Follow Me.“ Ellen White Ministry of Healing, p. 143.

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Homes of Hope Concept

Is a home based weekly hospitality ministry designed, through social activity, to connect the church with seekers!

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National Strategy

Homes of Hope Concept

Being a Homes of Hope Host involves:•Giving 1 night a week to opening your

home to seekers. (aim for at least 30 nights/year)

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Homes of Hope Concept

•Including members of your Sabbath School Class or Home Group in this activity.

•Inviting seekers to class/group social activity and Church programs where appropriate.

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$1,000 Per YearFor Pizza and PictionaryHost expenses.

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The Secret to an Irresitible Church•People are drawn to friendly places.• “Twenty-nine percent of American church

members say they joined a church for friendship”.

•“… higher among younger adults and those who've attended their churches for less than five years” D. Michael Lindsay

Extending Friendships

•The Host when appropriate extends the seekers friendship with other group members.

•This is an intentional strategy that happens naturally.

Group Life

Homes of Hope Hospitality

•Require a level of

intentionality and

systematic action if you are going to lead people to Christ.

•It is about making friends, not just being friendly.

Cost of Kingdom Growth

•In 2001 North New South Wales baptized 283 people of which 71 were from the community. The Conference provided from their Evangelism Budget to Church projects $292,800. The following is the cost per new member: Seventy additions @ 292,800 (Evangelism Funds) + $73,200 (Local Church Contribution*) = $366,000

•This equates to $5,154 per each new addition.

Home of Hope 2004-2005

•34 Homes of Hope Host lead 108 new people into the church within twelve months.

•This equals around $315 per person.

•H of H $315 versus Traditional $5,154?

How Long Before Commitment?

How long was it from your initial contact that they made a commitment?

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5

10

15

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25

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1 2 3 4 5

3-6 7-12 13-18 19-24 25+ Months

Homes of Hope Hospitality

•Require a level of

intentionality and

systematic action if you are going to lead people to Christ.

•It is about making friends, not just being friendly.

Connecting A Newcomer To Group

Social Agenda•The social life of a group is an essential

medium through which a group demonstrates its Christian values and teachings.

Oxytocin

•Oxytocin is known as the social attachment hormone. It’s the same hormone that is secreted by mothers who are breast feeding their newborn babies … it makes us feel good.

•Oxytocin promotes feelings of nurturing, caring and just feeling overall “warm” inside. While this powerful hormone can be found in both men and women, but it plays a more essential role in a woman’s life.

Principles When Designing Socials• Mix up your activities from ‘every body

comes’ to 2 & 3s. • Plan for a group activity once a month,

even though some months it may not happen e.g. sickness.

• Plan three ‘special’, ‘major’, ‘don’t want to miss’, activities each year. Give group members and contact plenty of notice.

Principles When Designing Socials• Identify the interests of those you are

working for and plan appropriate activities.

• Invite newcomers to assist in planning activities.

• Go for activities that will work with any number

Group Socials: Mix your Program:

•Keep your program varied. No matter what your program is – worship, small groups, pathfinders etc. - programming special events for participants to look forward to will maintain interest. Don’t just do the same thing every time.

•Major Events: Having major events to promote has a positive psychological effective on group members. Humans being like to have things to look forward too, to plan for.

Social ideas for Small GroupsFrom time to time your small group might like to run a

social activity to help new members get to know each other and to build friendship.

1. Quiet games - Pictionary, Scrabble or other board games.

2. Active games - volleyball, basketball, scavenger hunts.

3. Group outings- picnics, BBQ's bowling, pizza, movies, concerts, cultural experiences, progressive dinners.

Social ideas for Small Groups

4. Meals together- pot luck, international food, dessert & coffee night.

5. Parties and celebrations - Christmas parties, group anniversaries, special birthdays, "green" night (everyone wears something green) hat night etc...

Social ideas for Small Groups

6. Service/ outreach/ mission projects. Volunteer gardening, painting, house moving...

7. Group discussions- choose a topic and some questions that allows the group to get to know each other member in a deeper way.

8. Group camp, Group retreat ( sometimes combine with another group). A day camp.

Newcomers Are Not Sure They Fit

© 2007 Robert Steed

Socialising A Newcomer

1. Share your history and invite them to share theirs.

2. Organise friendship building activities with group members. E.g. shopping

3. Have a group meeting in their home.4. If they have children invite them over to

meet your children.5. Involve them in a special experience with

group members e.g. Camping6. Get them involved in ministry tasks.

The Seven Habits of a Visitor Friendly Church

•7 impressions visitors receive before first visit

•7 loving touches on the first visit•7 caring contacts over the next seven

days•7 weeks to build seven new

relationships

© 2007 Robert Steed

“It is through the social relations that Christianity comes in contact with the world.” Ellen White