The Welcoming Congregation: Roots and Fruits of Christian Hospitality

by Henry G. Brinton, William H. Willimon (Foreword by)

Overview

"Every time people sit down to eat and drink together, there is the possibility that community will grow and people will be reconciled to one another. This is good news for a fractured and polarized world, and a strong sign of the importance of being a welcoming congregation that embraces all people with God's love and grace." from the introduction

This practical book by pastor and writer Henry G. Brinton studies the biblical basis for Christian hospitality and how it is practiced in congregations today. While recognizing the challenges for embracing all people in the life of the church, Brinton offers a helpful guide for creating a hospitable congregation and welcoming others through spiritual formation, reconciliation, and outreach. He includes discussion questions and an action plan in each chapter.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780664237004
Publisher:	Westminster John Knox Press
Publication date:	06/25/2012
Pages:	156
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

Henry G. Brinton is Senior Pastor of Fairfax Presbyterian Church in Fairfax, Virginia. He is a regular contributor to USA Today and the Washington Post, as well as the author of several books, including Balancing Acts: Obligation, Liberation, and Contemporary Christian Conflicts.

Table of Contents

Foreword Will Willimon ix

Introduction xi

Part 1 The Roots of Hospitality 1

1 Biblical and Historical Roots of Christian Hospitality 3

2 Sites 19

3 Worship 33

4 Meals 49

5 Small Groups 61

Part 2 The Fruits of Hospitality 73

6 Reconciliation 75

7 Outreach 89

8 Perceptions 101

Conclusion: Embracing All People 113

Notes 127