Creating a Horde of Hosts

Do you live as a guest or as a host?

A guest expects others to cater to his/her needs, initiate, and provide prime parking, flexibility, and personal service. And if you are a guest, that’s a reasonable expectation.

But when you are a member of a church family, do you operate like a guest or as a host? A host initiates, a host serves, and a host makes room for other people and seeks to accommodate others’ needs. A host looks for others who are lost and offers service. A host is what Jesus called us to be—it’s what He modeled!

Some of Jesus’ most poignant moments came when He differentiated Himself from the religious elite. “The Son of Man came not to BE served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” His attitude astounded the crowds, shocked the disciples, and insulted those who thought they were too good to serve. He turned the assumed power structure upside down. He came NOT for the spiritually well but for the spiritually sick. And when His own disciples played power games, Jesus donned a towel around His waist and washed His disciples’ feet.

Will you begin this new school year at FBC Midlothian with a new IDENTITY? Will you trade your “Guest” identity for a “HOST” identity? How would that look?

• Park far, sit close. We have lots of shuttles, and we know where we’re going. Guests do not. Choose the back row for parking and leave the back row in worship for others who are guests.
• Initiate with the people around you. If you have been here often, things feel familiar, but to first-time guests, everything is unfamiliar. When you find your spot in worship, try to meet people as they come in. You never know when one intentional effort will launch a life-long friendship! (And it will certainly make newcomers feel welcome!)
• Put your head on a swivel and look for need. I’ll never forget one Sunday morning when I saw a mom arrive with four kids and no one to help unload car seats. I jogged out to the car to help unload and asked if she needed me to park the car. “Really? That would be great!” So, I told her I would be at the preschool desk with her keys when she finished. My wife spent all of our preschool days taking our kids to church by herself, and it would have been GOLD to have some help getting them out of car seats and into the building! So put your head on a swivel and look for need. And meet it, for Jesus’ sake.
• Do it all with a smile and service for Jesus in your heart. Being a host is liberating fun. And it’s a golden opportunity for the love of Christ to shine through you.

Will you be a host this weekend?