Hospitality Management in the Church

Hospitality Management in the Church

Hospitality is a very important aspect of the church in fulfilling the church mission and as well represents a large portion of the hospitality market each year. The purpose of this study is to examine hospitality as related to the church and the level of hospitality that the church demonstrates in its activities focused towards evangelism. The methodology of this study is of a qualitative nature, which has been conducted through an extensive review of literature in this area of study. The importance of this study is the information that will be added to the already existing knowledge base in this area of study. This study concludes that hospitality is at the core of the activities that were deemed by Jesus in his example to be worthy of the church in its mission to reach out to the world surrounding what should be a hospitable, warm, welcoming, loving, caring and ministering congregation. Hospitality runs throughout the entire fabric of the stories in the Bible and is at the very heart of the Christian faith and the church in which individuals congregate and worship

HOSPITALITY Management in the CHURCH

I. STATEMENT of THESIS

Hospitality is a very important aspect of the church in fulfilling the church mission and as well represents a large portion of the hospitality market each year.

II. PURPOSE of STUDY

The purpose of this study is to examine hospitality as related to the church and the level of hospitality that the church demonstrates in its activities focused towards evangelism.

III. METHODOLOGY

The methodology of this study is of a qualitative nature, which is conducted through an extensive review of literature in this area of study.

IV. IMPORTANCE of STUDY

The importance of this study is the information that will be added to the already existing knowledge base in this area of study.

V. INTRODUCTION

The contemporary society is described by Henri Nouwen as: "...a world of strangers, estranged from their own past, culture and country, from their neighbors friends and family, from their deepest self and their God." (as cited in Hermanson, 2008) Hospitality is described as being more than mere "welcome programs designed to get more people into church. It is a more Christianized version of the Welcome Wagon. (Hermanson, 2008) According to Christine Pohl as cited in the work of Leithart (2007) the church in Antioch (Chrysostom) "...cared for three thousand widows and virgins daily, and in addition, cared for those in prison, sick, and disabled, and those away from their homes. The church also provided food and clothing for those who came 'casually' everyday. From 400 to 403, Chrysostom built a number of hospitals in Constantinople. These provided care for strangers and orphans, as well as for those who were sick, chronic invalids, old, poor and destitute." In fact, the church is known to have "set up various institutional forms of hospitality, including hospitals for the rejected and marginalized sick and weak." (Leithart, 2007) it is stated in the work of Pohl entitled: "Making Room" that the early church fathers instructed that the home should be just as hospitable as the church and that parishioners should turn their home into "...a guest chamber, a place set apart for Christ - a place within which to welcome the maimed, the beggars, and the homeless." (Leithart, 2007) Leithart states: "In an era before Holiday Inn and Motel 6, travelers were often dependent on the hospitality of locals, and when inns started to take over this function and turn it into a money-making proposition in the 16th century." (2008)

VI. LITERATURE REVIEW

I. Ancient Historic Roots of Hospitality

The work of Chandler (2005) entitled: "Sacred Hospitality 'Middle Eastern Style'" relates that the custom in the Middle East of "elaborate and generous hospitality is known the world over" and that this is "particularly true of the Bedouin, whose hospitality is deservedly famous as anyone who has experienced it can witness." (Chandler, 2005) in the Bedouin culture nothing the guest might want or desire is "too good and nothing too bothersome or difficult."(Chandler, 2005) Furthermore the Bedouin host "does all in his ability to convey the honoring impression that the entertainment of his guest is the greatest happiness he has ever known." (Chandler, 2005) the model of the Bedouins was that of Abraham, "the patriarch who welcomed the three mysterious strangers who came to him in the desert. For as in Abraham's experience, in welcoming the stranger" the Church is "welcoming God among" its members. This is referred to as 'sacred hospitality', which is hospitality "pre-figured for him the stance of God himself toward human beings - the sacredness of the guest." (Chandler, 2005)

II. Hospitality in the Bible & the Early Church

The work of Williams (2000) entitled: "Practice Hospitality" writes that Paul, in the Bible, in the Book of Romans, Chapter 12 "gives a list of all that we need to do to be genuine Christians. One of the pivotal points he makes comes in two words: "Practice hospitality." (Williams, 2000) Williams additionally relates that hospitality."..has a grand and noble tradition; but it's more than food and drink. Hospitality is all we do to welcome folks - to make room for people, to offer a free space where the guest can feel accepted and at ease." (2000) Williams notes that in the New Testament "over and over...Jesus is setting the example for hospitality...When he met the woman at the well, he knew she was ill at ease and uncertain; and he immediately accepted her and reached out to her. When he met Zaccheus, Jesus again modeled hospitality. Jesus must have already taken an assertive training course, so he invited himself home with Zaccheus. Jesus showed hospitality to Zaccheus, and that act encouraged Zaccheus' hospitality to emerge. When the disciples wanted to get rid of the children because they seemed too noisy or fidgety, Jesus said, "Let the children come to me." He made room for them. He welcomed them and made them feel accepted, at ease. Why? The children are signs of the newness of God's Kingdom. In the Bible hospitality is at the center of the good news." (2000)

Hospitality, as noted by Williams "has been in decline in recent years." (2000) Williams states that it is time for a resurgence of hospitality..." In the church. (2000) Williams notes the importance of hospitality in the church in the statement of: "When any newcomer arrives at this church, we are given a prized opportunity to offer the hospitality of which Paul speaks. We have a choice. We can move toward any new person, extending ourselves to get to know them. Or -- we can slide back into privatized personal space. If we back off, we'll miss a lot of richness. And we will miss the goodness that God wants to give us." (2000)

The qualities of a Christian are highlighted in Paul's letter to the church at Rome, which included:

1) genuine love;

2) honor;

3) zeal;

4) prayer;

5) financial support; and 6) hospitality! (Williams, 2000)

Williams notes that hospitality "is one of the under-stated missions of the church" and notes that the Bible is "...is filled with stories of Jesus' many meals with people. Over and over Jesus was eating with people; he was even criticized for eating with gluttons and winebibbers, sinners and tax collectors. Jesus was walking along the Emmaus Road when two strangers appeared beside him, and they invited him to eat. They didn't know it was Jesus until they broke bread together, and then "their eyes were opened, and they knew him in the breaking of the bread." He fed the 5000 people with loaves and fish. He turned water into wine at the wedding at Cana. Jesus seemed to be giving or receiving hospitality every day." (2000)

Williams relates the story in Luke 10, which finds Jesus sitting in the home of Mary and Martha. In this story, Mary "...is stationed at his feet, taking in every word he says, while sister Martha is back in the kitchen fixing supper. Martha gets irritated because Mary is not helping in the kitchen. But Jesus then speaks rather sternly, "Martha, Martha, you are busy about many things. But Mary has chosen the better part." (Luke 10 as cited in Liethart, 2007) Leithart states that this story is "...a hospitality story. Mary is making room for Jesus, listening to his every word, adoring him, making much over him. But Martha is back in the kitchen. Let me confess that for years I've been bothered about Martha. I really think Jesus should have commended Martha too. Somebody's got to fix the meal! We all can't sit devotedly at the master's feet. We have to eat, and somebody needs to be on the kitchen committee, the hospitality committee. Maybe we should all take a turn on the church hospitality committee. Whether we are focusing our attention on the guest or putting the meal on the table, we are practicing hospitality." (2000 Lastly, Williams states that hospitality is "acceptance, making room, offering welcome." (2000)

The work of George Hermanson entitled: "Paradise and Hospitality" states that hospitality "...was crucial in the world of the Bible. In a desert environment - hot days, cold nights, where food and water are scarce, hospitality literally meant the difference between life and death. Even today among the Bedouin, offering hospitality to travelers is a requirement of tribal life. Our texts this morning illustrate the place and importance of hospitality in our faith." (2008) it is related by Hermanson that the story of the Exodus in the Bible is about God's hospitality to God's people. Lost, tired, and hungry, the children of Israel are starting to lose hope in a promised land. God feeds them with quail and manna. God offers them hospitality in the desert. An act that more than restores their bodies - it restores their spirits. This image of feeding is played out in the New Testament for Jesus feeds the poor and hungry seekers who come to the wilderness to hear him and his message of good news with a few loaves and fishes. He re-enacts Gods gracious hospitality with generous abundance of his own." (2008)

Hermanson relates that the faith of the individual and the church is demonstrated through "meeting people where they are and satisfying their physical needs..." (2008)

Hermanson discusses the letter of Paul and states that in the first days of the church hospitality existed as."..an ancient gift and practice of the church" (2008) in fact, the church "stood out from other organizations and groups because of its practice of hospitality." (Hermanson, 2008) Paul gave the church members instructions informing them that they are to "be hospitable to one another without complaining. They are to act generously toward one another. Since whatever they have is though God's grace, they are to act as stewards not owners of it." (Hermanson, 2008)

There are several connections made by Paul that assist in the illumination of the nature of hospitality and informs the church that hospitality is "not based on liking one another. It is based in love - in sharing and demonstrating the love of Christ and the generosity of God toward one another." (Hermanson, 2008) Finally, Hermanson relates of hospitality in the church as follows:

Hospitality which characterized the original paradise in the garden of Eden is also what characterized the early church. Hospitality is what made the early church distinct. It was through caring for one another, and caring for the poor, the widowed, the orphaned, the sick - all the outsiders of the community - that the church stood out. Christians were known for their hospitality to strangers. It was through hospitality that they made friendship real. It was hospitality that made the early church into a little taste of God's paradise. This insight changed the world for now we see its outcome in action. We see this in such words as hospital or hospice." (Hermanson, 2008)

III. Hospitality in the Contemporary Church

The report entitled: "Hotel Equities Adds 17th Management Contract with Full-Service Conference and Retreat Center in Atlanta" relates that the North Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church owns the land of Simpsonwood and that it was acquired through a gift deed of land. Simpsonwood is comprised of a complex of nine-buildings, which are full-service including a conference center replete with dining and meeting accommodations as well as four lodges containing hotel rooms and meeting rooms as well as a small chapel. Also included is "full dining service, guests at Simpsonwood enjoy amenities such an outdoor swimming pool, a large athletic field, a covered, open-air basketball court, walking trails, a picnic pavilion, 22 indoor meeting rooms (24,000 square feet), wireless Internet service and guest laundry facilities." (Hotel Interactive, 2007)

Simpsonwood Lodge is stated to be a "Christian Adult and Family Retreat Center of the North Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church" offering a site "for conferences and retreats for worship, study, music, recreation, fellowship, and mission in the Judeo-Christian tradition." (Hotel Interactive, 2007) Hospitality in the church is many things and in order to relate just what hospitality comprises in the church the 'Church Hospitality Assessment' as published by the Evangelism Coach the following questions used in assessing the hospitality features of a church are listed in this study:

1) Is your church easy to find? Do you need new signs on major roads near your church?

____ Is your church's name easy to read from the road?

____ Is it easy to tell which entrance to use for the church office? For the worship center? For Sunday school and evening programs?

2) ____ Does the exterior and overall appearance of your church look well maintained and attractive?

3) ____ Does the landscaping need attention?

4) ____ Are there a few parking spots close to the building which are reserved for the disabled? For guests?

5) ____ Are the sidewalks, the entrance, and the interior spaces of the church easy to navigate for persons in wheelchairs or with other mobility concerns?

6) ____ Are the restrooms all clean? Without rust or mildew? Do you have lotion and tissues available?

7) ____ Are all rooms in the church clearly marked? Are there clear directional signs to classrooms?

8) ____ Are there stacks of old bulletins, old magazines, or out-of-date church brochures which should be discarded?

9) ____ Are there current, attractive handouts or brochures to give information about your church which would be helpful to guests?

10) ____ Are the bulletin boards current? Guests are in fact more likely than regular members to read the bulletin boards!

11) ____ Are there any rooms which need to be cleaned? Painted? Do some rooms look too institutional? Do you have old linoleum or tile that should be replaced with carpet?

12) ____ Do you have adequate lighting in hallways, classrooms, and the worship center?

13) ____ Are the rooms for infants and toddlers both attractive and clean? Do you have older bedding and toys which should be replaced?

14) ____ Are extra copies of curriculum and Bibles in the classrooms? Are teachers prepared and trained to welcome guests Are the instructions in your bulletin and worship service clear to guests? Remember that you could have guests who have not been to any church before coming to yours.

15) ____ Are large print bulletins available? Is hearing amplification available?

16) ____ Do you have mints available for persons who experience coughing or a dry throat during the service?

17) ____ Do the announcements and/or joys and concerns time contain "insider" references which would make a guest feel excluded? Do people identify themselves before sharing?

18) ____ Do you have a name tag system that is current and that is utilized?

19) ____ Do you have greeters positioned at the entrances to the church? Are greeters and ushers prepared to welcome guests? Do you offer training in hospitality for greeters and ushers?

20) ____ Are all members of the congregation prepared to welcome guests? Have you provided training in hospitality?

21) ____ Are refreshments available at a fellowship time and/or during Sunday school classes?

22) ____ Do you have members who go out of their way during the fellowship time to greet guests and introduce them to others?

23) ____ Are members of your church prepared to extend brunch or dinner invitations to your guests?

24) ____ Do you have a system in place to respond to guests within 48 hours of their attendance by leaving a small gift at their homes? Freshly baked cookies or bread, a devotional booklet, flowers, or a mug with your church's name are all possibilities.

25) ____ Have you interviewed people who have recently visited your church and asked them for feedback on their experience? Have you talked both to people who have continued to come and to some who only came once?

26) ____ What other areas should you consider? (Evangelism Coach, 2002)

IV. Hospitality: The Religious/Church Sector of the Industry

The Hotel Interactive report entitled: "Getting Religious About Meetings" states that the religious meetings market is a "multi-billion dollar segment with vast potential since they require a variety of venues, love attractions and can make a major impact on yearly revenue." (Kelly, 2008) Kelly states that it is difficult to pin down precise figures but that it is however, indicated that the religious travel market is worth more than $1 billion domestically and $18 billion worldwide." This market is described as being "recession proof" in that this market witnesses "continuous growth, as the number of meetings...increased for the third year in a row in 2005, by 9.2% to 17,545 meetings." (Hotel Interactive, 2008) These figures illustrate the importance of hospitality among those that comprise the church. Findings in this report are that churches book various facilities for religious meetings including:

1) Downtown venues are the most preferred sites (17.2%);

2) Conference centers are the second most popular choice for booking religious meetings (16.6%)

3) Suburban hotels (12.8%);

4) Camps and retreat centers: 11.1%;

5) Resort hotels (11.1%);

6) Airport hotels (10.5%); and 7) Colleges and Universities (7.6%) (Hotel Interactive, 2008)

V. Architectural History of Churches: Hospitality Needs & Change

The work of Hart (2008) entitled: "The Architecture of Hospitality" states that should one carefully examine churches in the area where they live they likely will have notice some of the newer buildings don't conform to our old stereotypes of what a church should look like. And if you've recently participated in a church building or remodeling project, you probably have a good grasp of the reasons behind these new trends in church architecture. Church building isn't as predictable as it used to be. As congregations become more aware of the relationship between their goals and their building, they've been looking for new and more meaningful ways to use building space." (Hart, 2008)

Hart describes the traditional church building by stating as follows:

For centuries church buildings concentrated on worship space. Many of the buildings we worship in each Sunday reflect this emphasis: a rectangular sanctuary with row upon row of pews facing the front platform, which holds the pulpit. The entire building models the concept of worship as dialogue between God and his people. The pastor and the pulpit represent God; the pews and the worshipers represent the people. But often even the notion of dialogue is muted, and the sole emphasis is on monologic teaching. The sanctuary looks like an old-fashioned classroom, with the pews arranged in straight rows in front of the teacher's lectern." (Hart, 2008)

It is related by Hart that many churches have been noticed to have: "...replaced their solid wooden doors with glass ones. Some churches in our tradition are following suit. To the stranger and visitor these glass doors say, "Come in! We have nothing to hide." Visitors who drive into the parking lot of Christ Community Church in Nanaimo, British Columbia, for example, immediately see the large glass entrance. Behind that entrance is an L-shaped narthex with a kitchen service window. Greeters welcome visitors and offer them coffee. The style of this building encourages people to strike up a conversation and to linger for a while after the worship service. The custodian may grumble a bit about the coffee stains on the narthex carpet, but he knows that's a small price to pay for the growth the congregation is experiencing." (Hart, 2008)

Hart advises that a church desiring to build in a manner that enhances hospitality and supports evangelism should include the following in their architectural design:

1) the architecture of hospitality begins in the parking lot. Visitors won't feel welcome at a church that has barely enough parking places for its own members. So a church that wants to grow should offer plenty of parking and reserve five or six of its best spaces for visitors;

2) at the church entrance prominent signs should direct worshipers to the nursery, rest rooms, pastor's office, and sanctuary. The narthex should be roomy, perhaps featuring an attractive visitors' center where people can find out more about the church and denomination;

3) the nursery should be planned carefully, reflecting the church's awareness that today's parents are fussy about where they leave their children. The room or rooms should be clean, well lit, and very well staffed. If possible, the nursery should have its own washroom facilities and changing area; it should be compartmentalized into two or three age groups. it's a good idea to have a husband-wife team register the children each Sunday, paying special attention to visitors;

4) the worship place itself should be bright -- pews or chairs arranged so people can see one another. Worship, after all, is a double dialogue: the people not only talk to God but also to each other. The pews or rows of chairs should be relatively short; few people like to sit in the middle of a long row. Well-trained ushers should make sure worshipers are evenly distributed throughout the seating area;

5) it's also important that the space between the front row and the pulpit doesn't look like the Grand Canyon, and that the platform is roomy enough to permit a variety of activities. Newer churches have begun using plexiglass pulpits in order to avoid making the pulpit a barrier between the minister and the people;

6) a church will want to ensure that everyone can hear the sung and spoken word and that the leader can be heard from any place on the platform. Where the acoustics are inadequate, a congregation should consider, if possible, investing in a sophisticated sound system. A blank surface or screen is also a good investment -- something that will enable the church to show films, display overhead transparencies, and project the words of hymns on transparencies or slides. (Hart, 2008)

Hart states that trending in architectural design of a church indicates that designing a church "...is no longer a matter of drawing a rectangle and deciding whether classrooms should go on the main floor or in the basement. Churches often go through a lengthy process of deciding who they are and what God wants them to do. Building committees travel to various locations to see what other churches are doing." (Hart, 2008)

In today's churches the seat arrangement trends are designs in which the sanctuary and seating is in a fan-shaped design which is a design just as the octagon and geodesic dome design used in other churches and is one that serves to "promote intimacy, provide expandability, and contain cost." (Hart, 2008) Another difference in today's church design that is hospitality linked is the church resemblance to commercial buildings and this is stated by Hart to be because "...the warehouse meeting place is more likely to attract the unchurched." (Hart, 2008)