Ask Buck: Why do you value hospitality at church?
By prioritizing hospitality, I aim to create an environment where people can genuinely connect, grow spiritually, and experience God’s love through practical acts of service and welcoming.
Personal experience: Having felt like an outsider in my childhood and during difficult times in his life, I understand the importance of creating a welcoming environment for others.
Biblical mandate: My strong belief in the Bible informs my view on hospitality, as Scripture often emphasizes the importance of welcoming others (e.g., Romans 12:13, 1 Peter 4:9).
Community building: Hospitality helps foster deeper connections within the church community, which aligns with my vision for authentic discipleship and relationship-building.
Outreach tool: I see hospitality as a way to connect with newcomers and potentially draw them into the church community.
Practical ministry: Hospitality allows Shelley and I to use their home and resources as a tangible way of serving others and living out our faith.
Discipleship opportunity: Through hospitality, I see the creation of informal settings for mentoring and discipleship, which is central to my ministry philosophy.
Reflection of God’s love: I see hospitality as a way to demonstrate God’s welcoming and inclusive love to others.
Healing environment: Given his own experiences of healing through community, I strongly value creating spaces where others can experience similar support and acceptance.