Practicing Hospitality

While attending Central Seminary's Spring Lectures on "The Church in a Virtual Age," I had the opportunity stay at the Stone-Yancey House in Liberty, Missouri, a bed and breakfast owned and operated by Carolyn and Steve Hatcher. It was quite a contrast to go from talking about virtual communication to experiencing the very personal setting of the Hatcher's home. As innkeepers, they go "above and beyond the call of duty" to make their guests feel welcome.

During the conference, lecturer Ryan Bolger and workshop leaders helped participants to learn a great deal about the use of digital means to build community, so it was some what refreshing to go from mediated to non-mediated communication. Hospitality, such as that shown by the Hatchers, is more than a business, it is a gift. Hospitality is an essential element of the life of the church, but it seems to be one that we are having to teach believers
Perhaps we need to practice doing hospitality with our neighbors before attemptin to do it as part of a virtual global community. Peple like the Hatchers provide a good model.

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