How Can I Grow in Hospitality?

by Keri Folmar

8 Practical Steps for Extending Hospitality in the Local Church Hospitality is a vital part of the Christian life. It’s evident in God’s love and provision for sinners and illustrated in the fellowship of the Lord’s Supper. Still, many modern Christians struggle to open their homes and welcome others as Jesus commands.  This short book addresses common questions about hospitality while equipping Christians to serve God through Christlike care of others. It features tips for practicing hospitality at home, sharing the gospel with neighbors, and serving the church. By learning to welcome others into their lives, readers can extend God’s love to lost people as well as fellow believers. 

Genres: Christian

64 pages, Paperback

Published May 28, 2024

About the author

Keri Folmar is the wife of John Folmar, pastor of the United Christian Church of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, and the mother of three children. In a previous life, as chief counsel of House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, she was staff writer of the Partial Birth Abortion Ban.

Reviews

[Julia Boyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a quick reminder of the importance of hospitality and how it’s something we’re called to do as Christians and to show God’s love he has for us to others! There are practical tips that are easy to follow.

[KC · Rating 5 out of 5]

Only 40 pages but I feel encouraged, challenged, and equipped to pursue hospitality. Keri includes tips along the way to help those of us who are introverted🫶🏻 Love that she ended with these 3 verses - “Seek to show hospitality Rom 12:13, don’t neglect it Heb 13:2, do it without grumbling 1Pet 4:9.”

[Cory Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again another excellent resource on an often neglected topic in practice and in teaching. Would love to place a copy of this into the hands of every family in the church. So thankful for this series.

[Emma Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rich in Scripture and practical tips. Hospitality is a way for us to share with others the great hospitality the Lord has already shown us!

[Kendall Schrodt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Practical, encouraging, and convicting! Grateful for the challenge to view hospitality simply as a means through which we can imitate the hospitality we receive from God in the gospel!

[Amy Coltrane · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Whether you're an introvert or extrovert, if you aim to bless and not impress, hospitality will be doable for you. Figure out simple meals. Have your guests bring a dish. Use paper plates. People want to know you, not have a fine dining experience.”

[Bek Ahlstrom · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was both blessed and convicted by the practical examples of extending hospitality to those around me, both church community and stranger alike.

Quote: “He’s glorified in our cooking or decorating, not by the tastiness or beauty, but as we use them to focus on him! That is how we aim to bless.”

[Karson · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite so far in the church questions series from 9marks

[Beth Brussel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short 50 page book on hospitality. Good practical tips on hosting!

[Amelia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short and to the point but with a lot of practical tips. The focus is mostly on hospitality in the home, and seems to aim more toward women, but does talk about the whole family.

[Jesse Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most helpful books on hospitality. Keri expands the cultural meaning of “hospitality” by drawing insights from the Bible. She provides practical examples and encouragement. She addresses relevant questions that many readers might have, especially those who struggle with this topic. I believe this type of book should be promoted more in churches today, especially given our busy lifestyles and the rise of a new generation that needs intentional guidance on living a Christian life. Most of all, the writing style and length make it very accessible!

[Cole Shiflet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Generally found this a really encouraging treatment of biblical hospitality. She makes it church-centered, practical, and shows how we can use hospitality evangelistically or within the church. I kept thinking about our international student ministry and how we can grow into a stronger culture of hospitality toward the outsider.

[Kira Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

There were some very helpful points in this book. I think overall it’s worth your time. The author has a different perspective on hospitality than I do and seems to emphasize how little a host needs to do. Although I think the heart is the most important part I also very much believe guests can be blessed through thoughtful above and beyond.

[Jiarui · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really practical and good!
"Love increases our hospitality, and hospitality increases our love"
"The more you love your church, the more you will want to know her members. The better you know the members, the more you'll love them"

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short, encouraging, convicting, practical, God-focused.

[Cassandra Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short and concise. There are lots of resources that go into greater length and depth, but Keri Folmar is efficient in giving a reason for hospitality and providing tangible ways to see it through.

[Caitlin]

“God extends hospitality in the gospel. So we who believe in the gospel imitate his hospitality. As God welcomes us, we welcome others.”

[Joshua Ye · Rating 3 out of 5]

A concise primer on biblical hospitality. Folmar spends a couple pages outlining the importance of hospitality in the Christian life as God extends His hospitality to us through Jesus. She then dives into 8 ways we can grow in our hospitality. They revolve around love, humility, and serving in and out of the church. My favourite is to bless, not to impress. She also adds some very practical tips, to the point of easy recipes to make when people are over haha. It's a great mini-book to down in a sitting or two - I had it over dinner.