by Trish Donahue
I know. I questioned it too. I always thought hospitality had everything to do with the home. Isn’t hospitality all about cleaning the house, getting my humble snacks in a basket that makes them look gourmet, and opening the door with a sparkling smile? (I am visualizing the Crest advertisement right now.)
Anyway, as a new pastor’s wife I figured that I could conquer the hospitality thing at home and not worry about it anywhere else, especially in the church lobby. I had my hands full in the lobby anyway. A stroller (with a wheel that spontaneously popped off), little kids, and lobby gridlock worthy of Times Square were enough for me. Survival in getting everyone from Children’s Ministry to the coat rack with a smile, or at least not a breakdown, was my main goal. If I coincidentally got into a good conversation along that crazy path, then great! If not, then let’s get out of here. I’m hungry.
If you’re nodding your head in silent solidarity, then I have enlightening news for you. There is more to the church lobby than survival. It’s shocking, I know. My first piece of advice is to buy a new stroller, my second is to have lunch with Kimm Harvey. If you feel like that would be a bit forward, then I’ll introduce you right here.
Most of you know Kimm, but you may not know that one of her signature messages is how we can significantly contribute to our husbands’ ministries by reaching out to church members. In essence, she’s encouraging us to show hospitality to those who enter the doors of our church. I’ve had the benefit of watching her example and hearing her wisdom on this issue for years, so I’ll share with you two key points I am still learning from her.
As a wife, I’m the “face” of my husband’s ministry.
Our husbands can only be so many places at once after the service. If it’s in the middle of a lengthy conversation with a discouraged person, then he isn’t going to get to many people that morning. We, on the other hand, and our entourage of kids and bags and coats, are right in the center of the people of God. We’re heading down the middle of Main Street. Our simple smiles and hugs and questions and introductions are backing up our husband’s message of care and love for the church. People see our care and connect it with him, and in this way, we’re the “face” of his ministry.
Sunday mornings are strategic!
If you’re like me, you get excited about the idea of meeting with people, discipling people, and inviting people over—lots of people. This inspiration usually comes while peacefully gazing a few feet above my Outlook calendar. When my gaze drops to that text-heavy screen, the heart palpitations begin and inspiration runs for its life. How do I fit everything in!
The beauty of Sunday mornings is that they’re designed to bring the church together. If we come with a mental list of people we want to chat with and questions we want to ask them, we can connect very meaningfully with a lot of people, and all without adding another meeting to the calendar. A bit of purposeful planning on the way to church can go a long way in caring for the family of God.
Kimm has many more insights on this, but if you’re coming out of Sunday Survival Mode like I am, these two points will help get you off to a good start, and you may even find yourself meandering off into the crowds!
And one more side benefit: You get to show hospitality and not be in charge of snacks or open the door! (Unless you’ve just planted a church, in which case I profoundly apologize as I’m sure you ARE in charge of snacks, opening doors, and cleaning the bathrooms.) God loves to use us, and whether we’re one of 20 pastors’ wives, or one of one, He has prepared good works in advance for us to do, and we find the majority of them as we walk joyfully into his people.
