Practicing Hospitality: Chp 5

Lindsey, from Prassionate Homemaking, continues our book club discussion this week with chapter five. For previous discussions, check out chapter one, chapter two, chapter three, and chapter four.

These are the key points that struck me:
*As you study scripture you find that the home, not the church, served as the center for evangelism in the early expansion of Christianity (pg 135).
*life-sharing is not entertaining in our own strength. It flows from a heart full of love for others (pg 136).
*pray daily for the guests that will be attending (pg 142).

Discussion Questions:
1. What insights did you glean on viewing your home as a place of refuge and evangelism?
This is something that's been on my heart for awhile. In fact, before this book study came up, I was already getting ready to buy this book and put it's principles into practice in my own life. I loved what the author had to say about how the early church started. So often we invite unsaved people to church when what they really need is an invitation into our lives.

2. How can you make your home more of a haven first to your family then to others?
We have really worked on scheduling and transitioning our children from one activity to another, all in an effort to enforce stability and routine in our home. We safe guard against music, movies, and people that we believe are too mature for our children, as we don't want to shield them from the world, but rather be age appropriate.
We try to keep our home as open as possible to others while still maintaining routine and safety. But we tend to have an open door policy with friends and family, desiring to make our home restful and intimate. As visitors come and go, I try to have special treats or favorite beverages on hand. Coupled with some candles and soft music and the time to just sit and listen.
Join us next Monday for chapter 6: Hospitality and Others.