The Power of Hospitality

THE POWER OF HOSPITALITY: An Open Heart, Open Hand, and Open Home will Change Your World

Chuck & Kathie Crismier

Elijah Books, 2005

345 pages

$13.00

Never has there been a more urgent need for hospitality expressed through the Christian home than in America today. Because we live in a highly mobile society, many people feel isolated. Add to that the spirit of individualism birthed by American liberty and folks can feel quite alone, even in our churches. Furthermore, the “me” mentality has led to divorce, broken families, AIDS, abortion, and crime.

Chuck and Kathie Crismier offer the biblical solution for this dilemma. Broken into two parts: 1) the heart and power of hospitality and 2) the art and practice of hospitality, the book lends excellent scriptural support for the Christian family’s call to hospitality, which they contend can generate true community. The Crismiers teach that hospitality is both a prerequisite for revival in America and a result of revival.

In a nutshell, the Crismiers contend that “your heart, hand, and home are God’s ordained access points for His Holy Spirit to reach locked hearts” (214). A godly family will reach out to others, thus building a strong church which in turn builds a strong community.

In addition to theory, the Crismiers offer practical suggestions on how to implement hospitality. Phone calls, cards, home dinners, games, and providing a room or transportation are just a few of the forms hospitality can take. The important thing is to sit down with your family and set some hospitality goals, then follow through. Blessings come when the Christian family practices hospitality.

The Power of Hospitality book is available here.