And I don’t know why, but I was weeping the entire read. Not out of sorrow, but out of a desire to be the one who reaches out and helps to build community. I want it so badly.

I love books that make me want something like that. And it’s not even an incredibly well written book. That’s when you sit up and take notice, because that’s when you know it’s God speaking to you. Gotta love that.

I want to say “ditto” to your comment, Kimi, about the wife being instrumental in practicing hospitality. It seems I have all too often had “legitimate reasons” for not having people over. Lord, help me to be more faithful in cultivating hospitality in our home.

There was one concept that especially stood out to me in this chapter, because it is something the Lord is working on in my life – the concept of being intentional. I challenged by, “It means understanding that these ministries are…kingdom activities. …our motive must be different…our motive must cultivate a sense of family among God’s people…” That brought Col. 3:23 to mind,“…whatever you do, do it heartily, as unto the Lord and not to men.”

This concept of being intentional also “struck home” with me in regards to question #2. Investing in the lives of people in our body is a primary way of creating a sense of family within the church. I’ve been trying to do this is by extending myself to others at church – by asking the Lord to guide me to people to talk with, to help me be watchful for others who may have needs and for His grace to respond as the Holy Spirit leads. I also desire to be quick to pray for others – either at the time or during the next week (or some set time). Bearing one another’s burdens with sincerity and love is one of the greatest ways to knit hearts together and build a sense of family.

How can this be cultivated in the home? My goal and vision has been to make my home a haven of refuge, comfort and strength for my husband and any guests we welcome into our home. This means there must be some level of organization (madness is no refuge). We should cultivate a love for decorating and making it homey! We should guard family time and spend dedicated focused time together and investing in conversation and relationships. Our speech should be edifying and respectful to our husbands! Others should be welcomed, loved and cared for.

All of this is impossible, apart from the grace of God!

My eyes have been opened to see the vast opportunities for cultivating community in the body of believers as well. In a recent sermon, the preacher challenged us all that we must realize we are all counselors! Whether we like it or not, whenever we open our mouths we are giving counsel, whether good or bad. Where are you getting your counsel? Is it from the world, a recent magazine, or from the Scriptures? Every time we interact with brothers and sisters we have opportunity to invest, edify and encourage with biblical truth. I am challenged afresh to take advantage of the opportunities to minister by simply stopping and praying for a need as it arises, or inviting another woman, who could use a friend, into my home for tea. It is not difficult! It is a glorious task that we can all fulfill. Susan Hunt asks the question, how can we make our churches a more welcoming and loving environment? What an exhortation…don’t just come and go…come and invest in others! We need each other to grow and challenge one another in godliness.

What a powerful chapter! One I will be referring to again and again!

As far the the discussion questions, I am going to hop down to the second question since that needs the most work in my family.

Because hospitality is such a key point to building community, from the time of our engagement my husband and I have desired to practice hospitality regularly. Medical crises and health issues have delayed that from becoming a regular part of our routine.

But I have realized how crucial a woman’s part in hospitality is. As I have learned from others who have excelled in this area, I realize how the wife takes a crucial part in cultivating that at home. A husband can be eager to practice this, but if his wife isn’t, it usually won’t happen!

So, in answer to question two. I think that an important part to building community in a church is women who have a heart for hospitality.