Gather and Give: Sharing God’s Heart Through Everyday Hospitality

by Amy Hannon

Now more than ever, the world is hungry to gather and thirsty for connection. Many of us wish to share a meal, share our faith, and share our lives with others. We want to open our home to friends and neighbors for the sake of meaningful community, but we’re overwhelmed with hospitality hang-ups. How do I extend an invitation? What will they think of my house or the food? Our welcome has been influenced by the messages of the world that tell us hospitality is about our ability to be, host, live, and cook a certain way. In Gather & Give , Amy Hannon inspires you to embrace the simple hospitality of the Bible that values connection more than perfection and people more than presentation. Amy shares scriptural principles and practical ideas to make everyday hospitality a natural, joy-filled part of your life. You will feel encouraged and equipped to view your home Find freedom in knowing that the hospitality of the Bible is uncomplicated and effortless, that a welcome can be used by God to share His love and hope with the world, and that there is abounding joy in following the Lord in His hospitality command. Whether preparing shrimp and grits for a crowd or picking up barbecue with new neighbors, you can invite with intention, plate with purpose, and love others well.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Faith, Christian Living, Spirituality, Self Help

208 pages, Hardcover

Published October 18, 2022

Reviews

[Marcia reading past dark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amy Hannon’s Gather & Give is a wonderfully written Biblical hospitality handbook. This book would be a perfect guide for a Bible study, or it could serve as a resource for those who have decided to follow Paul’s words in Romans 12:13 (NLT): “Always be eager to practice hospitality.” The author was thorough in offering other scriptures as examples of hope and comfort being shared around the table. The recipes alone are worth the price of the book. Amy shares from her personal collection—apple pie, sour cream blueberry streusel muffins, and an easy chicken pot pie.

I must have been ready for this message because I was overwhelmed by the idea of changing lives through simple gifts of food and fellowship. Whether it is a pot of homemade chili, tapas from the taco truck, or a sack lunch, we need only set it before Jesus who multiplies our offering and adds the blessing of His spirit. And suddenly a humble home becomes Holy ground.

This is not a “how to” for holiday events but a guide toward simpler, casual meetings. The author suggests that with a little effort and preparation, we can give others that much-needed human contact by gathering face-to-face and heart-to-heart, celebrating everyday moments of impromptu fellowship, occasions filled with meaning, a message, and maybe a muffin. Thank you to Amy Nelson, Thomas Nelson W Publishing, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Susy C. *MotherLambReads* · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books on Hospitality I have read. Applicable tips, recipes, and a challenge to all Christians why we must offer Hospitality. It’s a command!

Gods People love people!
Gather and Serve and Love!

[Heather Lehman · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've read quite a few books on Christian hospitality and I don't feel like this one added much to the rest. However I don't have any real complaints either -- except that the chatty, chummy southern language wasn't exactly my cup of (sweet) tea.

[Michele Morin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amy Hannon is an advocate for “simple biblical hospitality.” Operating her own kitchen store, writing a cookbook, and serving as a pastor’s wife for twenty-eight years have given her plenty of insight into the nuts and bolts of feeding people, but, for me, the most compelling wisdom from Gather and Give was gained through her boots-on-the-ground experience of feeding teenagers and opening her home to saints and ain’ts alike. Without gloss or glitter, she paints a realistic picture of the God-sized selflessness required alongside the abundant blessing that comes to those who obey God’s command to practice hospitality.

Hannon learned the sacred practice of “intentional kitchening” from her grandmother, who knew the secret that food is merely a means to an end because “people who are cooked for feel cared for.” Since each chapter closes with a tried and true recipe, readers are mentored right away into the lifestyle of everyday hospitality.

Throwing wide the door of welcome, we embody God’s welcome and put the Gospel’s warm, life-giving hospitality on display for a world of people whose lives may be changed by one simple invitation from an open and responsive heart. When we open the door, we mirror God’s acceptance.

Hannon’s home was always open, but simple refreshments and a warm welcome transform any space into hospitality ground zero:
A blanket on the beach;
The bleachers at a ball game;
A picnic table at a state park;
Your church’s fellowship hall.

Our children received great benefits from being included in multi-generational gatherings, and we also loved hosting their friends. Everything from spontaneous gatherings around the fire pit for s’mores and firefly sightings to huge gatherings with lace tablecloths and the best dishes have been part of our family’s culture.

Whether or not hospitality is our gifting, it is clearly the calling of all believers, and from the faithful practice, we learn valuable lessons about life on a fallen planet:
Things will not always go well.
Events will not necessarily unfold according to plan.
There will be seasons in which hospitality is just not possible, and you may need to be the object of someone else’s care and love.

I’m coming away from a book that felt like a good visit with a solid challenge from Amy’s three-word mantra from 1 Peter 4:8-11: Love, Welcome, Serve. God has a way of showing up in unexpected ways, showering grace into a situation that looks hopeless, as a loving reminder that biblical hospitality is not about me.

Many thanks to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for providing a copy of this book to facilitate my review, which is of course, offered freely and with honesty.

[Karla Salsbury · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my what a much needed word for all of us! Amy Hannon’s Gather and Give book is a wonderfully written. Amy took Jesus’s message of being hospitable and broke it down for all to understand and do. This book is a huge encouragement for singles, busy families and seniors. Amy gives definition of Biblical Hospitality and teaches us how we can open our hearts and homes to be hospitable. From cooking a meal, grabbing fast food Amy gets us to understand how the ‘connecting’ and ‘loving on’ others is the purpose of Biblical Hospitality. What a joy to read, readers will sense and feel Amy’s love for others as she teaches and encourages us to show Jesus to others through Biblical Hospitality! I can’t wait for her next book! Bring it on. Amy!

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and finished it on a day when I was feeling especially discouraged in extending hospitality because of fear of being hurt by others. This author reminded me it isn’t about me! It’s about Jesus and extending love to others for His glory. I really loved how the author made distinctions between ways to extend hospitality and how she simplified it down to basics, encouraging us to let go of our Instagram ideals and letting God use our home and our hospitality for His glory and purposes. I also loved that she points out that there is a difference between “entertaining” and extending Christian hospitality. Highly recommend this book!

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to thank Netgalley and the author for gifting me the ebook. A very beautiful book. I really enjoyed it and highly recommend!

[Susan Ballard (subakkabookstuff) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve always struggled with inviting people into my home, especially for a meal. I worry if they will be comfortable, will my dogs bother them, and what I should cook, heck I don’t even know which side the fork goes on the place setting. But in 𝐆𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐆𝐢𝐯𝐞, Amy Hannon has reminded me that it really is so simple: it’s people over the presentation and let love be your motivation.

With wonderful tips for inviting, preparing, and hosting, Amy shares how opening up your home and heart to others is not only easy but a blessing as well. She includes some tasty recipes too.

𝑵𝒐𝒘 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒏 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓, 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒍𝒅 𝒊𝒔 𝒉𝒖𝒏𝒈𝒓𝒚 𝒕𝒐 𝒈𝒂𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒓𝒔𝒕𝒚 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒏𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏.

Thank you @tlcbooktours @thomasnelson and @eunamaes for this gifted copy.

[Sherry Bendorf · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a delightful book, filled with so much wisdom in what Biblical Hospitality looks like and its purpose. I learned so many good things. I hadn't heard of this author before, but while browsing my library shelves, I came across this book and since hospitality is something I desire to get better at, I thought I'd take a look and I'm glad that I did. Amy has filled the book with lots of encouragement and stories from her own experiences.

Using 1 Peter 4:8-11, she explains the three hospitality elements in the passage: love, welcome and serve. She also shows how Jesus used hospitality in His ministry while He was on earth.

I so enjoyed this book and now I'm going to have to purchase my very own copy so I can highlight much of it. 😀

[Chelsea Connor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this! Amy Hannon is such a great voice in the world of hospitality, and I was so happy when I saw she had written a book. This is not a memoir, but rather a charge for biblical hospitality, and it was so good! Inspiring, yet attainable with tons of practical tips, and scripture woven throughout.

There’s a yummy recipe at the end of each chapter, and I can’t wait to try them all! Also, she writes like she talks (very southern!) which I love but just a heads up :)

Such a sweet book. I will keep coming back to it.

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was given to me for Christmas and it was a really good mix of fun humor and a really refreshing look at hospitality.

“The world is primed for a hospitality revival! People need to know there is a God who loves them, who is near to them, who created them on purpose for a purpose, and who deems them so valuable that He gave His only Son to ransom their souls. Our extended invitation shows the hurting and lonely, the isolated and despairing, that they are included, remembered, and welcomed. Our invitation extended to fellow believers fortifies faith and friendship, provides accountability and truth, and promotes peace and unity. Others need to know that they are welcome not only in our lives but in the family of God as well. “

[Leigh Anne Thurston · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is excellent! She uses scripture to teach hospitality and she gives very practical advice. I will be reading this book again.

[Sienna Burke · Rating 5 out of 5]

First I'd like to thank Amy Hannon for a signed copy that I won through Good Read's give away. No matter my plan I always nice the signed copies to the feint of my reading list.

God's timing is always perfect. I've been thinking about starting a game night and then this book falls into my lap. It's going to happen now. I love how Amy wrote this like she was having a nice conversation with you, complete with little side interjections!

KEEP IT SIMPLE! Something we always say and I always need reminded of. No one cares if my cake falls apart; it still tastes good and it's really the love that counts.

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly, this book made me think, but the GOLD is all of the ideas of HOW to serve at the end!!! I didn’t grow up in a family who did this at all, so until I was cared for when I had COVID I had no idea that people cared for each other in the ways described.

[Julie Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love following Amy on Instagram and so this book was a fun extension of that! I love how she shares practical ways to show biblical hospitality!

[Shirley Reimer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just loved it

[Tammy Freed · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was one of the top 10 books I’ve ever read. What amazing insight into using hospitality to love people. Would highly recommend!

[Meagan | The Chapter House · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first Amy Hannon book, and it definitely won't be my last!

I so appreciated Hannon's casual tone (which can so easily be "too casual," "too buddy-buddy," etc., etc.--thankfully not here!); she comes across as genuine, approachable, and honest...and honestly funny. :) Her approach in _Gather and Give_ is not to share the how-tos, but the why-tos, and I love this distinction. This fresh take on biblical hospitality hit just where I needed it to, bringing many fond memories of my formative years and the amazing bakers at the Presbyterian church I grew up in--as well as those I've been blessed to know through other venues over the years.

And the call-out of social media, for all the positive things it offers, reminded me how easy it is to play the comparison game, and how important it is to run back to the true version of hospitality--as Hannon puts it, "What God has given me, I share with you" (chapter 2).

This book is a thoughtful combination of prose, recipes, "food for thought" (reflection questions), and tips and tricks to practice just what Hannon writes about. Practical, easy--no reinventing the wheel needed!--and with Jesus at the center. It doesn't get much better.

(Yes, for those of you curious, covid gets the occasional mention. But it's primarily in passing.)

I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[Katherine Leigh · Rating 3 out of 5]

I presume that I am not the target audience because this was one rare book that I did not finish and stopped a quarter of the way through. I do my best to power on and keep reading even if I'm not the target reader, because I enjoy reading and writing reviews. But I couldn't get through this book because it was really repetitive and consists of hosting and gathering information that was really novel 10 years ago, of which I read much of it at that point. I even read Emily Post books, had cloth napkins, all that jazz - so you would think I'd enjoy a book on hospitality, but not today, or not this one. That's the short version. If you do a lot of entertaining and need reminders of why you invite others in while getting inspiration on hospitality, then this is for you. It is a good reminder not to worry about what your house looks and the importance of hospitality, inviting others in, cultivating friendships, and all. There is a bit of humor mixed in with the overall notion of people over presentation and to show love by hosting others. Yes, I do agree with all the things, it simply isn't what I need or want to hear right now, perhaps if I read this 10 years ago or maybe 5 years from now as I walk through some stuff (which is probably the mental block for the book content), but not today, unfortunately. It felt really surface level, and I diverge from that quickly. The recipes are delightful though! Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of the book to review.

[PhyllisRBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the very thing that God has been laying on my heart but could not put into words. A sense of community has been lost and replaced with neighbors that are strangers, leading to a lack of care, empathy, and support of the people around us. Is this what Jesus intended? I agree with Amy Hannon as she shows us, through scripture, the many times Jesus ministered to people in homes, giving His followers a sense of belonging and care that can not be achieved any other way.

I, too, enjoy opening my home to others but, for me, it has been stifled by thoughts that my efforts have to be something stellar and my home a showcase. This book offers simpler ways to serve out of your home and obey the command of hospitality. I am buying this book for members of my women’s group and look forward to developing ways to reach our community.

I received this book from the author/publisher free of charge, with no expectation of a positive review.

[hannah cottrill · Rating 4 out of 5]

|| 4.5 ⭐️ ||

Warmth is just flowing out of the pages of this book. I was so encouraged and moved by her stories of hospitality as she has pursued God’s calling on her life. She writes in a fashion that is so personal and down-to-earth.

In addition to exploring the topic of hospitality as it is portrayed throughout the Bible, Amy goes into loads of tips for practicing everyday hospitality no matter who you are and no matter who God places on your heart to serve. She breaks these tips down in a way that makes them seem actionable and practical. I’m looking forward to incorporating some of her ideas next time an opportunity for hospitality presents itself.

[Melissa Board · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gather and Give by Amy Hannon's book is an amazing call and encouragement to practice hospitality. She unpacks many of the stories in the book of Luke of meals with Jesus and his varied collection of friends, as he extends God's love to all.

It has practical tips for hospitality and recipes and stories of the impact of hospitality in people's lives.

"Jesus is the one who multiplies. Jesus is the one who satisfies. Jesus is the one who provides all we need to love, welcome and serve. " p127

"He meets us at the table so that others can taste and see that He is good (Psalm 34:8)!" P135

[Sage · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. This was a good read. An engaging book with a beautiful cover. Encourages you to use what you have to serve others, not getting hang up on all the excuses and letting that stop you. Reminding you of what's important in regards to hospitality and it's not having a big house and the best food it's connections and valuing others. Seeing people, listening, caring for others, and creating community. Sharing God's love.

[Tara Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much goodness in one little book! Amy Hannon is definitely a kindred spirit and if I didn’t know before, I knew it when she said that foamy yeast “smells like heaven.”Yes and Amen! I wept through the “Tales from the Table” section. God has created us for community and hospitality is such a huge part of that. Thank you for sharing your heart with us Amy! Two main takeaways…”People who are cooked for feel cared for.” And “God’s people love people.”

[Olivia Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a lovely book full of inspiration to live a life of hospitality. I encourage anyone who has been hoping to work on practicing hospitality to read this… but even more so, perhaps, anyone who feels like hospitality isn’t for them. It’s presented in such a beautiful, forgiving way, showing how anyone can use what God has given to love, welcome, and serve those in their lives.

[Abbye Jahn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book with practical tips on opening your home to your friends, neighbors, coworkers, and anyone else in your circle that needs biblical hospitality. She even includes recipes with helpful tips at the end of each chapter! Amy makes it easy to invite others in. Definitely recommend if you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by hosting in any capacity!

[Sandra Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved loved loved this easy to read book that challenges you to obey the command to be hospitable. Amy does a great job of challenging her readers to use the avenue of hospitality to serve others and share Jesus! Delightful read yet challenging in a deep level. May we all learn to be more hospitable to those of faith and especially those who don’t know Jesus!

[Kathryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have read a couple of books exploring this topic so most of the items covered in this book, I was already familar with. Also there was a bit of repetition throughout the book that I wasn't a fan of. However, this is a good beginner book on hospitality, and it has a guide with tips as well as a few recipes for you to use. (There are also several testimonals in the back of the book.)

[BEth Coulson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice little book to start the year with if you do a lot of entertaining. Good reminder that your house doesn't have to be clean and it doesn't matter what you serve, people just like to get together for Christian fellowship. Good quick recipes throughout the book. Inspirational. I'm passing it on.

[Cassie King · Rating 4 out of 5]

Practical hospitality application from a Christian perspective. Bringing scriptural accounts of hospitality into view and learning from them. Enjoyed the add-ins of tips and recipes as chapter dividers.