Worship And Hospitality
An important, if neglected, symbol of Christian worship is the simple act of gathering for worship. In the act of coming together, the church testifies that it is a community that has come together in Jesus' name. Significantly, the worshiping community is not a closed community. Strangers are always welcome. Seekers are always sought. In receiving and welcoming strangers, the worshiping community both ministers to them and further testifies to the nature of Christ's love for the world. This suggests that the ministry of hospitality offered as the church gathers for worship is no mere formality, but an essential action for all God's people. This section explores some of the many ways in which worshipers offer hospitality to all who have gathered.