Hospitality is a service gift from God. There are people who just exude this gift and then there are others who don’t have a clue. Who do you know that has a strong gift of hospitality? Now, consider which places that you go to where you always feel welcome. Is it church? Do they know your name? I feel more welcome at local coffee shops than I do at most churches.

Recently, I attended a church event that was posted on social media as a public invite. When I arrived, there was very little emphasis on hospitality. The event host was busily readying the administrative things involved. She asked for contact information so that she could finalize the next meeting location and date. But she never contacted me until after I didn’t show up to the next event. I’m not criticizing her because I have been her. My version of hospitality used to be organizing an event and making sure that everything was done well. I was so event focused that I wasn’t necessarily people focused.

What I’ve learned from years in ministry and attending events is that people want to feel invited every time. They want to feel welcome every time. They want to be made to feel special just for their presence. It takes courage to show up to a group where everyone already knows each other. It’s important to learn names of guests and greet them with sincere care. I recommend for those of us who have administrative talents to partner with at least one person with the gift of hospitality who can concentrate their focus on the welcoming aspect. It’s crucial to repeat attendance. (And of course, we all need to learn hospitality. Ask God to guide you to improve.)

Now, I need to talk about the biggest offense that the church does against hospitality. Everybody has a phone with a camera these days. We are polite enough to silence our phone during sermons (when we are reminded beforehand). But some use the sacred gathering that is meant as a time of worship to take photos of private moments. There should not be any photos or recordings taken of guests during a worship or prayer time. Absolutely ZERO! Ask God about it. He will tell you.

I do not feel comfortable allowing myself to praise God wholeheartedly in worship at churches where a “photoshoot mentality” is practiced. I don’t want someone making a mockery of me raising my hands in praise or bowing in solemn prayer. It’s an invasion of privacy. I should be able to expect privacy away from the paparazzi when I’m in my Father’s house. The churches need to really seek God about this because He is not pleased with the “advertising” gimmick that’s being used. Don’t believe me. Ask God yourself!