Module 8: Hospitality — Meeting 2
Meeting 2
DISCUSS the “Person of Peace” essay using the prompts below:
Discussion
Questions
1. What is a “person of peace?”
2. “Our job is not to convert people—that’s God’s job. Rather, our job is to be aware of those who are already sensitive to God’s stirring.” How does this truth free us in sharing our faith? What responsibilities does it place on us?
3. Think through the last year or so of your life. Who might be a person of peace that God has brought you to? What steps can you take to further discern this?
4. In the story of Philip and the Ethiopian, we noticed four characteristics that brought Philip to the Person of Peace. Which of these steps might be most difficult for you? Would you add any other steps, either from the text or from your own experience?
Philip was sensitive to God’s leading (v. 26, 29)
Philip responded to an invitation (v. 31)
Philip is ready with biblical answers (v. 35)
Philip pointed him to Jesus (v. 35)
5. Identify at least one person of peace in your life, and pray for them together to close this meeting. Pray for eyes to see God-given opportunities, for wisdom, for compassion, and for courage. Remember, we’re practicing hospitality by inviting people into God’s family. Who doesn’t like to be invited?! Who is waiting for you to ask?
ASSIGNMENT: Read the essay, “Making Room,” located below.
Making Room
By Megan Koch, revised by Jake Thurston
“When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.” —Romans 12:13
“Keep on loving each other as brothers and sisters. Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it! Remember those in prison, as if you were there yourself. Remember also those being mistreated, as if you felt their pain in your own bodies.” —Hebrews 13:1-3
“That is why the Good News was preached to those who are now dead—so although they were destined to die like all people, they now live forever with God in the Spirit. The end of the world is coming soon. Therefore, be earnest and disciplined in your prayers. Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins. Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay.” — 1 Peter 4:6-9
The Gospel is the good news that God’s kingdom has come through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, who now rules over all. Because of Christ’s work, we are now forgiven for our rebellion against God, justified as righteous, granted eternal life, and can grow in holiness. And if that weren’t enough, we are welcomed into the family of God, the fellowship of believers known as the Church. We’re in.
Evangelism happens every time we invite someone into life with Jesus. Because we now experience the fullness of grace and love that comes from being a part of his family, then we get to make room for everybody else to join in, too. We are so flooded with Christ’s goodness, grace, power, majesty, joy, and love, that we want to invite everyone we possibly can to be a part of his Church. When they come to Jesus, they don’t just get a new “religious status” on Facebook or start changing their habits. They’re adopted into the family. God’s family, to be exact. They’re no longer an outsider. They’re in.
(Next slide)
Who Is a Person of Peace?
In Luke 10:5–7, Jesus sends out seventy-two followers with simple instructions: when you enter a house, say "Peace to this house." If someone there promotes peace, stay with them. This "person of peace" is someone who welcomes you, is open to spiritual conversation and often opens the door to their wider family and community. Examples in Scripture include Lydia in Philippi (Acts 16:13–15), the Philippian jailer (Acts 16:25–34) and Cornelius (Acts 10).
The key insight of the Person of Peace essay is freeing: our job is not to convert people — that is God’s job. Our job is to notice where God is already at work and to join him there.
Signs Someone Might Be a Person of Peace
They welcome you and enjoy spending time with you.
They ask questions about your faith, your church or your values.
They share openly about their struggles or search for meaning.
They are going through a season of change: a new job, a move, a loss, a new baby.
They are open to prayer when you offer it.
They connect you with others in their circle.
Learning From Philip (Acts 8:26–40)
Philip’s encounter with the Ethiopian official gives us a simple pattern we can follow today:
Be sensitive to God’s leading. Ask God each morning to show you who he wants you to notice.
Respond to invitations. When someone asks a question or opens a door, walk through it.
Be ready with answers. You do not need to know everything, but you can share what Scripture says and what Jesus has done in your life.
Point to Jesus. Every conversation, sooner or later, should lead toward him.
Practical Next Steps
Write down the names of three people in your life who may be people of peace.
Pray for each of them by name every day this week.
Look for one natural opportunity to spend time with one of them: a coffee, a meal, a walk.
Ask a good question and listen well.
Share your story when the moment is right.
For the Discipler
Help your disciple think broadly: co-workers, neighbours, classmates, family members, parents at school, people at the gym. Pray together for each name. Encourage your disciple that the goal is friendship and faithful witness, not pressure or quick results. Share a story of a person of peace God has brought into your life.
Looking Ahead
In Meeting 3, you will discuss the Making Room essay and choose practical ways to practise hospitality with the people God has put on your heart.
Continue the Pathway — You are in Module 8: Hospitality, Meeting 2 of 4. Previous: Meeting 1 — Sharing Jesus. Next: Meeting 3 — Practising Hospitality. Every essay, worksheet and video for this module is collected on the Module 8 resources page.