Opening Your Home and Heart
When we think of ministry, our minds often go to preaching, leading worship, or going on a mission trip. But in Scripture, ministry is just as often pictured around a table, in a home, over a shared meal. Hospitality is one of the most powerful ways we can live out our faith, and it doesn’t require a stage, a microphone, or a passport, just an open door and an open heart.
Romans 12:13 says, “Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” The call isn’t optional, it’s part of what it means to be a follower of Jesus. At Heartland Women, we believe hospitality is more than entertaining; it’s an intentional act of love that reflects the heart of God.
1. Hospitality Starts with the Heart
True hospitality is not about a Pinterest-perfect table setting, it’s about creating space for people to feel seen, valued, and cared for. The goal isn’t to impress, but to invite. You don’t need a large home or gourmet cooking skills; you simply need a willingness to let people into your real, everyday life.
When our homes become places of refuge, we live out the same heart of Jesus, who welcomed the broken, the curious, and the outcast. This is where Strong Women, Strong Friendships: Building Christ-Centered Community becomes essential. Hospitality is one of the ways those deep, godly friendships take root.
2. The Biblical Foundation for Hospitality
From the Old Testament to the New, God’s people are called to hospitality:
Abraham and Sarah welcomed strangers, only to discover they were entertaining angels (Genesis 18).
The early church broke bread in their homes daily, experiencing unity and joy (Acts 2:46).
Jesus often ministered around meals, from Zacchaeus’s home to the Last Supper.
In each example, hospitality created space for God’s presence to move. When you invite someone into your home, you’re inviting them into an environment where the Holy Spirit can heal, encourage, and transform.
3. Overcoming the Barriers to Hospitality
Many women hesitate to open their homes because they feel their space is too small, their schedule is too full, or their house isn’t “ready.” But hospitality is about connection, not perfection.
Here are a few tips to overcome those obstacles:
Busy schedule? Start with coffee and dessert instead of a full meal.
Small space? Invite just one or two people at a time.
Messy house? Focus on making people feel welcome; no one cares if your laundry basket is in the corner.
For more on living out your faith even in the busiest seasons, see Faith in the Everyday: Hearing God’s Voice in Your Daily Routine.
4. Practical Ways to Live Out Hospitality
Hospitality can be as simple or elaborate as you want it to be. Here are some practical ideas:
Host a Group in your home (check out Anchored in the Word: How to Build a Consistent Bible Study Rhythm for ideas).
Invite a new family from church over for Sunday lunch.
Plan a women’s night with a short devotional and plenty of conversation.
Offer your home as a safe space for someone going through a difficult time.
Celebrate milestones, birthdays, new jobs, answered prayers, with a small gathering.
5. The Eternal Impact of Hospitality
Hospitality may feel small, but it leaves a lasting Kingdom impact. A meal shared can lead to a heart opened. A listening ear can turn into a life changed. When we welcome others, we are living out the Gospel in a tangible, unforgettable way.
Hebrews 13:2 reminds us, “Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.” Who knows how God might use your open home to accomplish something eternal?
Final Encouragement
Hospitality is ministry in its purest form, meeting people where they are and inviting them closer to the heart of God. You don’t need the perfect house or the perfect menu; you simply need a willingness to say, “Come in. You belong here.”
Ready to take your first step? Invite someone over this week and watch how God uses your table to change lives. And if you want to learn more about living out your faith through community, check out our blog Strong Women, Strong Friendships: Building Christ-Centered Community or get connected through our Heartland Women Groups.
Opening Your Home and Heart
When we think of ministry, our minds often go to preaching, leading worship, or going on a mission trip. But in Scripture, ministry is just as often pictured around a table, in a home, over a shared meal. Hospitality is one of the most powerful ways we can live out our faith, and it doesn’t require a stage, a microphone, or a passport, just an open door and an open heart.
Romans 12:13 says, “Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” The call isn’t optional, it’s part of what it means to be a follower of Jesus. At Heartland Women, we believe hospitality is more than entertaining; it’s an intentional act of love that reflects the heart of God.
1. Hospitality Starts with the Heart
True hospitality is not about a Pinterest-perfect table setting, it’s about creating space for people to feel seen, valued, and cared for. The goal isn’t to impress, but to invite. You don’t need a large home or gourmet cooking skills; you simply need a willingness to let people into your real, everyday life.
When our homes become places of refuge, we live out the same heart of Jesus, who welcomed the broken, the curious, and the outcast. This is where Strong Women, Strong Friendships: Building Christ-Centered Community becomes essential. Hospitality is one of the ways those deep, godly friendships take root.
2. The Biblical Foundation for Hospitality
From the Old Testament to the New, God’s people are called to hospitality:
Abraham and Sarah welcomed strangers, only to discover they were entertaining angels (Genesis 18).
The early church broke bread in their homes daily, experiencing unity and joy (Acts 2:46).
Jesus often ministered around meals, from Zacchaeus’s home to the Last Supper.
In each example, hospitality created space for God’s presence to move. When you invite someone into your home, you’re inviting them into an environment where the Holy Spirit can heal, encourage, and transform.
3. Overcoming the Barriers to Hospitality
Many women hesitate to open their homes because they feel their space is too small, their schedule is too full, or their house isn’t “ready.” But hospitality is about connection, not perfection.
Here are a few tips to overcome those obstacles:
Busy schedule? Start with coffee and dessert instead of a full meal.
Small space? Invite just one or two people at a time.
Messy house? Focus on making people feel welcome; no one cares if your laundry basket is in the corner.
For more on living out your faith even in the busiest seasons, see Faith in the Everyday: Hearing God’s Voice in Your Daily Routine.
4. Practical Ways to Live Out Hospitality
Hospitality can be as simple or elaborate as you want it to be. Here are some practical ideas:
Host a Group in your home (check out Anchored in the Word: How to Build a Consistent Bible Study Rhythm for ideas).
Invite a new family from church over for Sunday lunch.
Plan a women’s night with a short devotional and plenty of conversation.
Offer your home as a safe space for someone going through a difficult time.
Celebrate milestones, birthdays, new jobs, answered prayers, with a small gathering.
5. The Eternal Impact of Hospitality
Hospitality may feel small, but it leaves a lasting Kingdom impact. A meal shared can lead to a heart opened. A listening ear can turn into a life changed. When we welcome others, we are living out the Gospel in a tangible, unforgettable way.
Hebrews 13:2 reminds us, “Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.” Who knows how God might use your open home to accomplish something eternal?
Final Encouragement
Hospitality is ministry in its purest form, meeting people where they are and inviting them closer to the heart of God. You don’t need the perfect house or the perfect menu; you simply need a willingness to say, “Come in. You belong here.”
Ready to take your first step? Invite someone over this week and watch how God uses your table to change lives. And if you want to learn more about living out your faith through community, check out our blog Strong Women, Strong Friendships: Building Christ-Centered Community or get connected through our Heartland Women Groups.