Radical Hospitality

One of the hallmarks of the Christian life is hospitality, extending oneself to others for their benefit. We are probably familiar with the term, “Southern hospitality,” and we all probably have some idea of what that means. My mother grew up in Sparta, Tennessee so I have had some first-hand experience with this phenomenon. I have memories of fried catfish (that I caught!), chicken gravy on big biscuits, cornbread, and delicious coconut cake. My grandmother (we called her Bea) was a wonderful cook and unless you ate three helpings of something she thought you didn’t like it. She usually ate quickly so she could serve everybody else. This was true hospitality and my mother carried this tradition on, even though she lived in the midst of Yankees here in Ohio.

Janet, Ben, and I feel that we have been the recipients of some radical hospitality since we arrived in Sharonville. Everybody has been very welcoming since day one. We have shared meals with a number of people already, been invited to peoples’ homes, been introduced to families (including sleeping infants), and generally made to feel a part of those families, as well as the big Sharonville UMC family. We cannot express how good it feels to be welcomed so warmly. You have already richly blessed us with your hospitality; it has been radical. We thank you.

Radical hospitality is one of five fruitful practices Bishop Ough calls us to exhibit as a church. The others are passionate worship, faith-forming experiences and relationships, risk-taking mission and service, and extravagant generosity. I hope to be sharing more about these practices with you in the future. Just know that from what we have experienced, while the term may be new, you already know how to do one of them. As we come to know you all better I’m sure we will see the others as well. I look forward to discovering not only the practices, but in finding new ways to exhibit them. Thank you, again, for receiving us so warmly. God bless you.

Pastor Tad