United Methodist Bishop Robert Schnase has written a book that is changing the heart of United Methodism. The book is called The Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations. Some of you have probably heard the practices, our bishop has been outlining them from the beginning of his ministry in the West Ohio Conference.
The five practices are : Radical Hospitality, Risk Taking Mission & Service, Passionate Worship, Nurturing Faith Relationships, and Extravagant Generosity. These are not simply ideas that came to Bishop Schnase. These practices are grounded in the Gospels and in the life of the early church, led by the Apostles.
This month, let’s take a look at the first one - Radical Hospitality. We’ll begin with a factural journey in the dictionary. Radical - favoring or resulting in extreme or revolutionary changes. Hospitality - an instance of being hospitable. Hospitable - environmentally favorable to growth and development.
So, basically, we’re talking about going over the edge in creating an environment favorable to Christian growth and development. This means we do this not just for the members and regulars of our church, it’s for absolutely everyone who walks into our ministries. This also means we do this not just for those who come to us, but we go to those who need what we have. And, it also means that we do more than the “daily minimum requirements” for hospitality. In other words, we do more than is expected of us, and more than even we expect of ourselves.
Jesus said; whatever we do for the least of these we do for Him. Most importantly, He also said: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
Join me in trying to live this out better and better each day! Next month we’ll talk about Risk Taking Mission & Service.
In Jesus’ love,
Greg
