So, what is this thing called “raspitality?”

     “God uses newcomers to breathe new life into congregations.”  “We’re such a friendly church”. “We do fine with hospitality.” Sometimes the greatest strength of churches and classes and choirs is also their greatest weakness. Church members love each other so much that their lives are so intertwined and their interests so interwoven that church groups become impenetrable to new people. Closeness closes out new people who feel like outsiders looking in, and those on the inside don’t even notice.  Church members feel content because their own needs are being met.  “Imagine if every committee, choir, class, and service and staff member of a congregation agreed to prayerfully consider changing one practice this year to accommodate younger adults. The trustees might put diaper changing tables in the restrooms, the choir might prepare a musical that includes children, an adult class might gather funds for nursery services for a Bible study, the men’s group might host a father/son event, and the pastor might invite all the young adult members and visitors to a get-acquainted dinner.  If every ministry changed a little toward welcoming younger people, the cumulative effect might change the direction of the church.”  “People have no reluctance telling others where they get their hair cut, where they get their car fixed, where they like to eat. And yet, concerning the most important relationship Christians disciples have -- the one to God through Christ’s church -- they feel hesitant to speak. They don’t want to intrude or appear pushy or sound too fanatically religious. But think of all the church means, all that relationship to God means, the perspective of faith, the understandings of life, the relationships gained, the sense of meaning and connection and contribution experienced. Why wouldn’t we desire these things for the people we respect and love, and for the neighbors and co-workers we share our lives with? We pray to God for those in our lives. Why not invite them so that they have the kind of relationship to God we have?”  Please be in prayer as we embark this year on a five-step journey of fruitfulness: