MODULE 8: HOSPITALITY

OUTCOME: The disciple realizes the joy of creating belonging in the family of God.

When we think of “hospitality,” we might think of being welcomed into someone’s home for a nice meal. This is certainly a crucial part of hospitality—welcoming others to our table and serving them. Few things create community better than a shared meal. However, hospitality is not only about inviting people to our house. It’s about living a life of openness to others and inviting them to the family of God.

This module will make space for us to develop the habit of welcoming others (who are often not like us) into our lives. For a Christian to live a life of hospitality is to live the life of an evangelist: always inviting people to have a seat at God’s table.

Hospitality Is More Than a Meal

When the Bible talks about hospitality, it uses a word that literally means "love of strangers." Christian hospitality certainly includes opening our homes and sharing our tables — few things build community like a meal — but it goes further. It is a way of living with open hands and an open heart, so that people who are different from us, or far from God, find a place to belong. For a disciple, hospitality is evangelism with a front door: always inviting people to take a seat at God’s table.

The outcome of Module 8 is that the disciple realises the joy of creating belonging in the family of God. Over four meetings, the disciple learns to share Jesus naturally, to notice people God is already stirring, to make room in everyday life and to practise hospitality with intention.

Sharing Jesus in Your Own Words

Many believers feel nervous about talking about their faith. The Sharing Jesus resource offers a simple approach: know the heart of the gospel, know your own story of how Jesus has changed you, and look for natural moments to share both. You do not need a script or all the answers. As 1 Peter 3:15 encourages, be ready to explain the hope you have — "with gentleness and respect."

Finding a Person of Peace

In Luke 10, Jesus sent his followers out to look for a "person of peace" — someone who welcomed them and was open to their message. The Person of Peace essay reminds us that converting people is God’s job; our job is to notice those who are already sensitive to his stirring. In the story of Philip and the Ethiopian official (Acts 8:26–40), Philip was sensitive to God’s leading, responded to an invitation, was ready with biblical answers and pointed the man to Jesus. That pattern still works today.

The Four Meetings of Module 8

Meeting 1: Sharing Jesus — work through the Sharing Jesus resource and practise explaining the gospel clearly and naturally in your own words.
Meeting 2: Finding a Person of Peace — discuss the Person of Peace essay, identify people God may be drawing you toward and pray for them together.
Meeting 3: Practising Hospitality — discuss the Making Room essay and choose deliberate steps to practise hospitality this week.
Meeting 4: Hospitality Debrief — share what God did through your hospitality, make it a lasting habit and prepare for Module 9.

Simple Ways to Practise Hospitality This Month

Invite someone new to a meal. A neighbour, a co-worker or a family who recently joined your church.
Make room in your routine. Walk the same route at the same time, become a regular at a café, or linger after church.
Cross a cultural line. Learn the story of someone whose background is different from yours.
Listen well. Ask open questions and let people talk about what matters to them.
Share your story when the door opens. Hospitality creates trust; trust makes room for honest conversations about Jesus.
Pray for your street. Ask God to show you one person of peace in your neighbourhood.

Tips for Disciplers

Hospitality can feel intimidating, especially for introverts or people with small homes and tight budgets. Remind your disciple that simplicity is welcome: soup and bread shared with warmth beats an impressive dinner. Practise together if possible — invite your disciple to join you when you host someone, or co-host a meal. Afterward, debrief: what did you notice, and where was God at work?

Key Scriptures on Hospitality

Romans 12:13 — share with the Lord’s people who are in need; practise hospitality.
Hebrews 13:1–3 — do not forget to show hospitality to strangers.
1 Peter 4:8–10 — offer hospitality without grumbling.
Luke 14:12–14 — invite those who cannot repay you.
Luke 10:1–9 — Jesus sends his followers to find people of peace.

Frequently Asked Questions

I am not a natural host. Can I still practise hospitality?

Yes. Hospitality is about welcome, not performance. Meeting someone for coffee, listening well at work or including a newcomer in a conversation are all forms of hospitality.

How is hospitality connected to evangelism?

Most people come to faith through a relationship with a Christian. Hospitality builds those relationships and creates natural opportunities to share the hope we have in Jesus.

What comes next?

Hospitality opens our eyes to people’s real needs, which leads directly into Module 9: Living Justly.

In this module: Meeting 1: Sharing Jesus · Meeting 2: Person of Peace · Meeting 3: Practising Hospitality · Meeting 4: Hospitality Debrief. All worksheets and videos: Module 8 resources. Previous module: Module 7: Awareness. Next module: Module 9: Living Justly. See all 11 modules.