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The Simplest Way to Change the World: Biblical Hospitality as a Way of Life
How to make disciples using hospitality Deep down, every Christian wants to make a difference. But for many of us, the years come and go and we never do. The good news change can be as simple as opening your front door. The Simplest Way to Change the World is about biblical hospitality and its power for the gospel. Since people will sooner enter a living room than a church, hospitality is a natural and effective way to build relationships for Christ. You’ll Hospitality is a beautiful legacy of the church, and a great way to make disciples. As you open your life up to others, you share in the very character of God and experience His joy. And you get to witness lives change—including your own. Includes 20+ creative ideas for hospitality, plus questions for small groups
176 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2017
151 people are currently reading
1334 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews
April 23, 2018
This book is a rarity in the realm of ministry books in that it passionately inspires readers toward certain Jesus lifestyles (something most ministry books do), while providing practical, and especially realistic, steps to make it happen (something most ministry books struggle to do). The majority of the excuses, rationalizations, and anxieties that prevent me from being a more hospitable Christian are understandably acknowledged by the authors, without condescension, and then are followed by steps to help us overcome them in an effort to represent and enflesh God's enduring hospitality to humankind.
If Jesus-followers of local churches put 5-10% of the solid ideas in this book to practice (something I'll be working on in my context), the gospel would dig deeper and wider roots in our neighborhoods, apartment complexes, and communities.
If Jesus-followers of local churches put 5-10% of the solid ideas in this book to practice (something I'll be working on in my context), the gospel would dig deeper and wider roots in our neighborhoods, apartment complexes, and communities.
March 26, 2023
Very good read about Christian hospitality as a means of witnessing. So encouraging to remember that the gospel is something you live out everyday. Your neighbors,co-workers, friends and family should be able to see this through the little things. Don’t overlook the power of a meal, hobby, job etc. Use these things to help you witness. Hospitality is not only about opening up your home or place you live. I was very challenged by this book and think that everyone should read it.
June 16, 2024
This was written by the pastors of Midtown Fellowship?!?! Such a coincidence!
Good read. A lot of things, praise God, I received through my FOCUS formation, but i know Protestants speak about truths like these with a different language that helps me see them with new eyes :) excited for where the Lord is calling me to show hospitality in Dallas this year!
Good read. A lot of things, praise God, I received through my FOCUS formation, but i know Protestants speak about truths like these with a different language that helps me see them with new eyes :) excited for where the Lord is calling me to show hospitality in Dallas this year!
February 7, 2017
The premise of the book is that living an impactful life doesn’t have to mean doing something “big” for God. In fact, Willis and Clements claim that it’s the exact opposite. In The Simplest Way to Change the World they assert that living intentionally in the everydayness of life is the best way to live a life that impacts others. It is as simple as inviting your neighbor over for dinner, your co-worker over for a cookout, or the single twenty-something from your church over to watch a TV show with your family. It is all about hospitality, inviting others into your life that you might share with them the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Summary
The book itself is short and easy to read. The authors begin by laying out what they mean by hospitality and giving readers a vision for it. According to Willis and Clements, "Biblical hospitality chooses to engage rather than unplug, open rather than close, initiate rather than sit idly by” (p. 26). In other words, hospitality is the act of inviting others into your life with the purpose of knowing them, loving them, and sharing Christ with them.
They then root the concept of hospitality in God’s nature. God is a God of hospitality. According to the authors, “the entire Bible is a story about God’s hospitality” (p. 37). It started in the Garden of Eden with God creating a place for Adam and Eve to live and ends in Revelation when God creates a new city for His people to live. And He has been hospitable to us by adopting us into His family. Now, since we as Christians have received hospitality from God, we are to extend hospitality to others. Citing examples from both the Old Testament and New Testament, the authors show how God has always cared about those who are not already part of His people. His design has always been that the people of God should welcome outsiders.
After this, Willis and Clements show the need for and purpose of hospitality in our world today. "One, in our increasingly frantic and disconnected society, people are longing for depth of relationship, which is exactly what hospitality provides. And two, in a culture that is growing away from a fondness and familiarity with Christianity, hospitality gives us a unique avenue to exhibit the gospel and provides a way forward for us in a changing culture” (p. 55) Christians have an opportunity to meet people in their loneliness and show them the gospel by inviting them into their lives on a regular basis. This is an opportunity that should be leveraged by everyone.
The rest of the book is devoted to practical ways one can go about living hospitably. Willis and Clements are very thorough in showing how hospitality can be part of everyday life for everyone. They address issues of personality, race, gender, and marital status. They deal with excuses that their readers might be making. They give practical advice on how to meet your neighbors and incorporate hospitality into everyday life. They share examples of how to actually talk about Jesus and share the gospel. The last half of the book is full of this practical advice that helps their readers put hospitality into action and it is a gold mine.
My Thoughts
As a whole I really enjoyed the book. The way they went about teaching about hospitality is different than I have ever experienced in the past. I have never seen how hospitality is rooted in the nature of God. That was new for me and probably their strongest argument. We should be hospitable because God has been hospitable to us. And when we show hospitality, we are putting God on display for the world to see. If that doesn’t compel someone to see the importance of showing hospitality and spur them to action, I’m not sure anything will.
I also really appreciate the way they encourage people to live as a missionary in everyday life. It’s easy for people to think that they can’t play an important role in God’s work because their lives are so busy and mundane. Willis and Clements wipe that excuse right off the table and leave us with theological truths that should change the way we live our daily lives. In essence they are encouraging us to live intentional lives, thinking through how we can invite others, both believers and unbelievers, into the rhythms that we already exist in our day to day lives.
And they don’t leave their readers to figure out how to do that on their own. There is no scenario that I could think of that they didn’t touch on. They dealt with just about every issue imaginable when it comes to what hospitality looks like and how to go about living a hospitable life. They gave no room for someone to wiggle out of their responsibility as a Christian to be involved in the work of God by living hospitably in their day to day lives.
This is a book that I would recommend to all Christians. It gives theological groundings and practical ideas for being involved in the mission of God right where you are. Please read this and then put the ideas found in this book into action.
Summary
The book itself is short and easy to read. The authors begin by laying out what they mean by hospitality and giving readers a vision for it. According to Willis and Clements, "Biblical hospitality chooses to engage rather than unplug, open rather than close, initiate rather than sit idly by” (p. 26). In other words, hospitality is the act of inviting others into your life with the purpose of knowing them, loving them, and sharing Christ with them.
They then root the concept of hospitality in God’s nature. God is a God of hospitality. According to the authors, “the entire Bible is a story about God’s hospitality” (p. 37). It started in the Garden of Eden with God creating a place for Adam and Eve to live and ends in Revelation when God creates a new city for His people to live. And He has been hospitable to us by adopting us into His family. Now, since we as Christians have received hospitality from God, we are to extend hospitality to others. Citing examples from both the Old Testament and New Testament, the authors show how God has always cared about those who are not already part of His people. His design has always been that the people of God should welcome outsiders.
After this, Willis and Clements show the need for and purpose of hospitality in our world today. "One, in our increasingly frantic and disconnected society, people are longing for depth of relationship, which is exactly what hospitality provides. And two, in a culture that is growing away from a fondness and familiarity with Christianity, hospitality gives us a unique avenue to exhibit the gospel and provides a way forward for us in a changing culture” (p. 55) Christians have an opportunity to meet people in their loneliness and show them the gospel by inviting them into their lives on a regular basis. This is an opportunity that should be leveraged by everyone.
The rest of the book is devoted to practical ways one can go about living hospitably. Willis and Clements are very thorough in showing how hospitality can be part of everyday life for everyone. They address issues of personality, race, gender, and marital status. They deal with excuses that their readers might be making. They give practical advice on how to meet your neighbors and incorporate hospitality into everyday life. They share examples of how to actually talk about Jesus and share the gospel. The last half of the book is full of this practical advice that helps their readers put hospitality into action and it is a gold mine.
My Thoughts
As a whole I really enjoyed the book. The way they went about teaching about hospitality is different than I have ever experienced in the past. I have never seen how hospitality is rooted in the nature of God. That was new for me and probably their strongest argument. We should be hospitable because God has been hospitable to us. And when we show hospitality, we are putting God on display for the world to see. If that doesn’t compel someone to see the importance of showing hospitality and spur them to action, I’m not sure anything will.
I also really appreciate the way they encourage people to live as a missionary in everyday life. It’s easy for people to think that they can’t play an important role in God’s work because their lives are so busy and mundane. Willis and Clements wipe that excuse right off the table and leave us with theological truths that should change the way we live our daily lives. In essence they are encouraging us to live intentional lives, thinking through how we can invite others, both believers and unbelievers, into the rhythms that we already exist in our day to day lives.
And they don’t leave their readers to figure out how to do that on their own. There is no scenario that I could think of that they didn’t touch on. They dealt with just about every issue imaginable when it comes to what hospitality looks like and how to go about living a hospitable life. They gave no room for someone to wiggle out of their responsibility as a Christian to be involved in the work of God by living hospitably in their day to day lives.
This is a book that I would recommend to all Christians. It gives theological groundings and practical ideas for being involved in the mission of God right where you are. Please read this and then put the ideas found in this book into action.
October 5, 2022
Read this book, evaluate your heart, make a plan, and start opening your home!!
This book has tons of practical tips, advice, and ideas on how to practice hospitality within your church, the community. Ideas for those who are rich, poor, have a big home, or a tiny dorm room. Ideas for those who are single or married.
Reading this book will open your eyes to opportunities you've missed, the walls you might be setting up, and the way you can use your home to reach others inside and outside the church. Our homes are an evangelistic tool that many of us are wasting, myself included.
This book can be summed up in a quote found in the final chapter:
"Let's become relentlessly warm and welcoming because we've been relentlessly welcomed in Christ."
This book has tons of practical tips, advice, and ideas on how to practice hospitality within your church, the community. Ideas for those who are rich, poor, have a big home, or a tiny dorm room. Ideas for those who are single or married.
Reading this book will open your eyes to opportunities you've missed, the walls you might be setting up, and the way you can use your home to reach others inside and outside the church. Our homes are an evangelistic tool that many of us are wasting, myself included.
This book can be summed up in a quote found in the final chapter:
"Let's become relentlessly warm and welcoming because we've been relentlessly welcomed in Christ."
September 15, 2021
This was a loud call for me to do more!! I love how the authors made a strong point that we view our homes as our own personal sanctuaries instead of tools to be used for the Gospel. When we take advantage everyday opportunities of contact with neighbors and start opening our homes in simple hospitality, eternity came be impacted!! This will be a book study book next year! All Christians need this book. Think about how many people you go to church with. How many have been in your home? How many of their homes have you been in? We need each other and opening our homes is an easy way to get to know each other and know one another’s needs. How many of your neighbors have been in your home? We don’t need to go across the world to be missionaries. There are people that live across the street that need you to reach out to them for the Lord and opening your home could be the first step!
August 15, 2022
Biblical hospitality isn’t old fashioned. God commands us to welcome those into our homes as a means for advancing the gospel and loving fellow brothers and sisters.
Simple and practical and packed with truth!
Simple and practical and packed with truth!
June 4, 2024
An absolutely fantastic book! It was practical, encouraging, and Gospel-centered. I appreciate the authors giving useful ideas for practicing Biblical hospitality while also explaining why hospitality is a vital Biblical practice for Christians.
April 17, 2025
Very helpful and practical! Was convicted to try a few new ideas this book spurred on, which is exciting.
February 9, 2017
Let me start off by saying that I loved this book! (I hope that was clear enough)
While reading this book I was inspired and motivated to open my doors to neighbors and others that need to see Christians on a personal level. I even recommended this book to my entire church family a couple weeks ago.
As I read, I was hit with wave after wave of compassion. I began imagining the different groups that I could begin impacting (singles, elderly, young, married, widowed, coworkers). Just to think, the first generation of Christians spread the gospel by “breaking bread” and pouring out their love of Jesus to others. I am convinced that not only is this the simplest way to change the world, but it’s the only way (because this process will change hearts and lives).
While reading this book I was inspired and motivated to open my doors to neighbors and others that need to see Christians on a personal level. I even recommended this book to my entire church family a couple weeks ago.
As I read, I was hit with wave after wave of compassion. I began imagining the different groups that I could begin impacting (singles, elderly, young, married, widowed, coworkers). Just to think, the first generation of Christians spread the gospel by “breaking bread” and pouring out their love of Jesus to others. I am convinced that not only is this the simplest way to change the world, but it’s the only way (because this process will change hearts and lives).
June 30, 2017
A biblical guide to hospitality. Took a little too long in my opinion to get to the Gospel as the point of our hospitality but overall a solid book on hospitality. I found it extremely lacking in practical suggestions. A much better, more practical, more Gospel-centered book on hospitality is Practicing Hospitality by Pat Ennis and Lisa Tatlock.
May 23, 2023
This was a thought-provoking and convicting read. Both authors emphasize their introverted tendencies and use scripture to support their points. It has made me rethink how hospitable I have been and how to correct that in the future.
January 3, 2023
This book is a good reminder that our homes don't have to be (and shouldn't be) fortresses of solitude, but instead should be open and welcoming to our neighbors. Hospitality doesn't have to mean fancy dinner parties or spotless, perfectly decorated homes. It can be as simple as throwing a few extra hot dogs on the grill and hollering at the neighbor to come on over. I liked that they didn't focus on hospitality only being something that a married couple can do, but also included opportunities for single people and college students to extend hospitality.
It was a little unusual to read a book on hospitality written by two men. Normally we think of hospitality being more in the realm of women's ministry. So this book gave an interesting perspective. However, I feel like the book is written by fairly young men, because I sensed some immaturity in several of their examples of hospitality, for example letting a random woman crash in his house for several weeks. It also seemed like many of their examples revolved around parties, some of which are questionable activities for Christians to participate in (Super Bowl, for example) .
Also, the story of setting mortars off at a neighborhood 4th of July celebration left a bad taste in my mouth. Whether or not it was legal in their community, it's completely disrespectful of their neighbors to be making the biggest boom possible - and the author laughingly joked that waking up the newborn baby was a great way to meet the neighbors.
The conversational style was easy to read, but the switching back of narrators was confusing and annoying in the way that they identified themselves with each switch. It would have been clearer if they had alternated chapters rather than paragraphs or sections within a chapter. This felt like l was reading a transcription of a podcast.
It was a little unusual to read a book on hospitality written by two men. Normally we think of hospitality being more in the realm of women's ministry. So this book gave an interesting perspective. However, I feel like the book is written by fairly young men, because I sensed some immaturity in several of their examples of hospitality, for example letting a random woman crash in his house for several weeks. It also seemed like many of their examples revolved around parties, some of which are questionable activities for Christians to participate in (Super Bowl, for example) .
Also, the story of setting mortars off at a neighborhood 4th of July celebration left a bad taste in my mouth. Whether or not it was legal in their community, it's completely disrespectful of their neighbors to be making the biggest boom possible - and the author laughingly joked that waking up the newborn baby was a great way to meet the neighbors.
The conversational style was easy to read, but the switching back of narrators was confusing and annoying in the way that they identified themselves with each switch. It would have been clearer if they had alternated chapters rather than paragraphs or sections within a chapter. This felt like l was reading a transcription of a podcast.
June 3, 2019
Easily a favorite book on the importance and beauty of practicing hospitality through your home and lifestyle in our day and age. Hospitality is the secret weapon for gospel advancement. We can be a part of God’s mission right from our living rooms. Practical and inspiring. Pull out the BBQ and cook in your front yard and invite the neighbors! It’s the perfect time of year!
Favorite quotes:
“God’s plan to glorify Himself in the church never consisted of platformed mega-pastors, cutting-edge art, or expensive buildings. The real power in the church is found the Holy Spirit moving through ordinary people as they carry His presence into the streets.”
“If we are ever going to join all our lives to God’s mission to change the world, we need to reclaim all of our ordinary pieces as a part of that gospel mission. We will have to reject the notion that something has to be big or unusual to be significant. We will have to view the ordinariness of our lives as significant and allow God to use our homes as a seed to be planted and grown, not something to be discarded or devalued. If ordinary doesn’t equal insignificant, then even a walk to the mailbox or grilling burgers matters. Everything about your everyday, ordinary, small-feeling life matters. Your meals matter. Your hobbies matter. Your work matters. Your home … it matters.”
“Biblical hospitality is the polar opposite of cultural trends to separate and isolate. It rejects the notion that life is best spent fulfilling our own self-centered desires, cordoned off from others in the private fortresses we call homes. Biblical hospitality chooses to engage rather than unplug, open rather than close, initiate rather than sit idly.”
Favorite quotes:
“God’s plan to glorify Himself in the church never consisted of platformed mega-pastors, cutting-edge art, or expensive buildings. The real power in the church is found the Holy Spirit moving through ordinary people as they carry His presence into the streets.”
“If we are ever going to join all our lives to God’s mission to change the world, we need to reclaim all of our ordinary pieces as a part of that gospel mission. We will have to reject the notion that something has to be big or unusual to be significant. We will have to view the ordinariness of our lives as significant and allow God to use our homes as a seed to be planted and grown, not something to be discarded or devalued. If ordinary doesn’t equal insignificant, then even a walk to the mailbox or grilling burgers matters. Everything about your everyday, ordinary, small-feeling life matters. Your meals matter. Your hobbies matter. Your work matters. Your home … it matters.”
“Biblical hospitality is the polar opposite of cultural trends to separate and isolate. It rejects the notion that life is best spent fulfilling our own self-centered desires, cordoned off from others in the private fortresses we call homes. Biblical hospitality chooses to engage rather than unplug, open rather than close, initiate rather than sit idly.”
April 27, 2017
I thought this sounded like a neat book to review, and I feel it is something we Christians need to do better at as individuals AND as a church.
The book is very well-written, and the authors write in an easy to understand/interesting style. They have the book split up into two sections: The Potential, and The Plan. The first part explains the need for hospitality and how it can be used to win people to God. The second part puts it into a plan form to show how to put those things into practice.
I have long felt my church, and many others, need to do a better job in this area. Too many people visit churches and are hardly noticed or made to feel welcome. There are many people who would go to church if they were asked. This is a book that could help with these issues if taken to heart and used.
At the end of the book is a 6-week study guide so the book can be used for a group or individual study. It also has over 20 ideas for hospitality.
I enjoyed reading the book. The authors have a lot of great ideas, and it is obvious they are passionate about this subject. I highly recommend it to those interested in using hospitality in their lives and churches to reach the lost.
The book is very well-written, and the authors write in an easy to understand/interesting style. They have the book split up into two sections: The Potential, and The Plan. The first part explains the need for hospitality and how it can be used to win people to God. The second part puts it into a plan form to show how to put those things into practice.
I have long felt my church, and many others, need to do a better job in this area. Too many people visit churches and are hardly noticed or made to feel welcome. There are many people who would go to church if they were asked. This is a book that could help with these issues if taken to heart and used.
At the end of the book is a 6-week study guide so the book can be used for a group or individual study. It also has over 20 ideas for hospitality.
I enjoyed reading the book. The authors have a lot of great ideas, and it is obvious they are passionate about this subject. I highly recommend it to those interested in using hospitality in their lives and churches to reach the lost.
October 30, 2021
I kind of want to give this book three stars because it's not my favorite book on hospitality, but it's not a bad book at all, and quite useful to some, so I'm giving it 4.
Practicing Hospitality has long been a passion of mine and I love picking up books on it every now and again for refreshers, encouragement and scraping together new ideas.
The unique thing about this particular book is that it is written by two men (pastors) who are talking about how they lead their family in the practice of Christian hospitality and that is certainly a more unique viewpoint in the world of hospitable books! It's nice to read of their passion for it and probably a very good idea to have had some men write a book on the subject to encourage other men. (I like Wilkins Face to Face for this as well.)
The hardest hurdle for me in reading this book was their writing voices. There is a banter between them that I find a bit eye-rolling and hard to engage with. I find their "sound" flippant at times and -- really -- it just grated on my nerves. However, that will not be the case for every readers o i wouldn't bypass it but would recommended it from the male perspective.
Practicing Hospitality has long been a passion of mine and I love picking up books on it every now and again for refreshers, encouragement and scraping together new ideas.
The unique thing about this particular book is that it is written by two men (pastors) who are talking about how they lead their family in the practice of Christian hospitality and that is certainly a more unique viewpoint in the world of hospitable books! It's nice to read of their passion for it and probably a very good idea to have had some men write a book on the subject to encourage other men. (I like Wilkins Face to Face for this as well.)
The hardest hurdle for me in reading this book was their writing voices. There is a banter between them that I find a bit eye-rolling and hard to engage with. I find their "sound" flippant at times and -- really -- it just grated on my nerves. However, that will not be the case for every readers o i wouldn't bypass it but would recommended it from the male perspective.
March 7, 2024
I’m shook. These words need to be read by anyone who wants to share the gospel. Hospitality—opening your home—really is the simplest way to change the world. I could honestly write the entire book up in here if I made a list of great points.
I’ll leave you with this. What’s stopping you from letting people into your home? What’s stopping you from using hospitality as a way to share the gospel and show them Christ?
Isolation
Retreat
Entertainment
Busyness
I’ll leave you with this. What’s stopping you from letting people into your home? What’s stopping you from using hospitality as a way to share the gospel and show them Christ?
Isolation
Retreat
Entertainment
Busyness
October 25, 2018
Wow. I read "The Gospel Comes With a House key" and liked it but was looking for something more practical. This was perfect. The writers are very witty,light hearted and give great practical pointers that feel doable. They also do a good job not making things legalistic. The Lord used this one to encourage, inspire and remind me of the purpose of hospitality. We love because He first loved us, we welcome others because He has welcomed us.
April 10, 2017
Like the overall premise and focus on hospitality and intentionality. Toes the line of turning neighbors into "targets". It speaks against that idea, but sort of reinforces it in other places. Lots of good practical suggestions around hospitality.
September 25, 2024
Great and very practical resource. I’ll be returning to this one regularly!
October 26, 2025
Read this at book club at my church. A very easy & practical read. Really challenging, but doesn’t make hospitality seem overwhelming or too hard!
November 19, 2018
3.5 stars
March 2, 2020
Worth reading, for sure. A solid overview of biblical hospitality with lots of practical ideas on putting it into practice in your home/neighborhood.
January 31, 2020
Major take away - restructure the way I view my home. It is to be an instrument to display the Gospel to people.
August 1, 2025
A helpful and concise look at Christian hospitality.
There were some great practical suggestions (grill in your front yard!) but my favorite part was their telling of the Story of the Bible through the lens of hospitality.
The authors also did a great job stressing that hospitality is NOT entertaining. It's extending a generous and open heart to another person and welcoming them into a place where it's safe to be known. Beautiful.
There were some great practical suggestions (grill in your front yard!) but my favorite part was their telling of the Story of the Bible through the lens of hospitality.
The authors also did a great job stressing that hospitality is NOT entertaining. It's extending a generous and open heart to another person and welcoming them into a place where it's safe to be known. Beautiful.
August 4, 2017
Have you ever watched the news and thought, 'What is the world coming to?' Do you have a difficult time with some of your neighbours or co-workers? Do you ever stop to think, What can I do to change things; there's just too much wrong? Well pastors Dustin Willis and Brandon Clements have written this book to show the things that disconnect us from each other and the things we can do to help reconnect and change our small corner of the world with Christian love.
This is a book about putting aside the distractions that disconnect us, getting past the idea that our houses are only for our own personal refuge against the world, and beginning to practice the kind of hospitality that God has shown to us throughout the history as laid out in the Bible. They take the apostle Paul's greeting to the church at Thessalonica, "We loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well." (1 Thess. 2:8 NIV, emphasis added by the authors.) They give simple basic ideas that can change not only the lives of those around us but our own as well. Barbecue in the front yard instead of the back and have enough food to feed a large group. Rather than putting up a hammock in the back yard, put in a patio with a large table to make it people friendly. Invite people over to watch the game. Host a pot luck. Invite a co-worker who's into sports to meet for a game of ultimate frisbee in the park. Set aside one night a week to invite a small group to dinner. Be a good listener. Share your family; share your lives.
There are 12 chapters in the book and it's set up so that it can be used as a 6-week, small group study. The study chapters at the back are easy to follow, well laid out, and full of discussion growth and challenge. There are many examples throughout the book of how lives were impacted and relationships deepened. There are also blunders that show us pitfalls to avoid and how God can even use blunders to create a caring atmosphere that draws lonely people into fellowship. Questions at the end of each chapter challenge you to look at how you might join the mission field of extending God's hospitality.
This is an amazing concept that may not be new to you and maybe you already practice hospitality in your home. There will still be ideas in this book to take it further. At the end, there are resources and notes which can be useful if you wish to expand the vision. We can only hope and pray that this book will impact all those who read it and, in turn, impact their small corner of the world.
I received a free copy of this book from Moody Publishers in exchange for an honest review.
This is a book about putting aside the distractions that disconnect us, getting past the idea that our houses are only for our own personal refuge against the world, and beginning to practice the kind of hospitality that God has shown to us throughout the history as laid out in the Bible. They take the apostle Paul's greeting to the church at Thessalonica, "We loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well." (1 Thess. 2:8 NIV, emphasis added by the authors.) They give simple basic ideas that can change not only the lives of those around us but our own as well. Barbecue in the front yard instead of the back and have enough food to feed a large group. Rather than putting up a hammock in the back yard, put in a patio with a large table to make it people friendly. Invite people over to watch the game. Host a pot luck. Invite a co-worker who's into sports to meet for a game of ultimate frisbee in the park. Set aside one night a week to invite a small group to dinner. Be a good listener. Share your family; share your lives.
There are 12 chapters in the book and it's set up so that it can be used as a 6-week, small group study. The study chapters at the back are easy to follow, well laid out, and full of discussion growth and challenge. There are many examples throughout the book of how lives were impacted and relationships deepened. There are also blunders that show us pitfalls to avoid and how God can even use blunders to create a caring atmosphere that draws lonely people into fellowship. Questions at the end of each chapter challenge you to look at how you might join the mission field of extending God's hospitality.
This is an amazing concept that may not be new to you and maybe you already practice hospitality in your home. There will still be ideas in this book to take it further. At the end, there are resources and notes which can be useful if you wish to expand the vision. We can only hope and pray that this book will impact all those who read it and, in turn, impact their small corner of the world.
I received a free copy of this book from Moody Publishers in exchange for an honest review.
March 6, 2024
The authors tell us to be intentional on loving our neighbors and spending time with them.
February 7, 2017
Why would an introvert with no gift for entertaining read a book on hospitality? True confession: when I clicked on a link in an email to see what the book was about, I was unknowingly requesting a review copy of the book. I have to admit I was intrigued by the subtitle: Biblical Hospitality as a Way of Life, and I had to wonder if maybe, just maybe, God was drawing me out of my comfort zone to show me a way that I could share the love of Jesus with others as a part of my daily life.
The Simplest Way to Change the World presents a biblical basis, both historically and scripturally, for hospitality: making your home, yard, and life open for engaging conversations with both non-Christians and other Christians. It shares the difference between entertaining (a high pressure show to convince others of your worth) and hospitality (opening your heart to others). A discussion of the rhythms of your life shows how to include others in what you and your family are already doing and also to intentionally create opportunities to include others. In addition, there are suggestions for “reverse hospitality”--how to share Jesus’ love with those who are uncomfortable with an invitation into your home or are physically unable to leave their own residence.
The authors include anecdotes from their own experiences as well as tales related by family and friends who are sharing their homes, lives, and hearts with others. They emphasize that hospitality can be planned or spontaneous, and they point out that Jesus’ ministry was not a three step plan, complete with PowerPoint, to bring people into a physical church building. Instead, He wandered from place to place, listening, sharing, and meeting people’s needs.
This is not a difficult read, not a philosophical or religious treatise. It is practical, sometimes humorous, and always interesting. It stimulates readers to think of ways they can use hospitality in their own circumstances, where God has located them, and with the people He brings into their lives. At the end of the book there is a helpful study guide for those who want to use this tool as a church or in a small group setting to learn about hospitality.
And as to the mouse click that brought The Simplest Way to Change the World to my iPad? No regrets here! Reading this book was a blessing.
I would like to extend my thanks to netgalley.com and to Moody Publishing for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
The Simplest Way to Change the World presents a biblical basis, both historically and scripturally, for hospitality: making your home, yard, and life open for engaging conversations with both non-Christians and other Christians. It shares the difference between entertaining (a high pressure show to convince others of your worth) and hospitality (opening your heart to others). A discussion of the rhythms of your life shows how to include others in what you and your family are already doing and also to intentionally create opportunities to include others. In addition, there are suggestions for “reverse hospitality”--how to share Jesus’ love with those who are uncomfortable with an invitation into your home or are physically unable to leave their own residence.
The authors include anecdotes from their own experiences as well as tales related by family and friends who are sharing their homes, lives, and hearts with others. They emphasize that hospitality can be planned or spontaneous, and they point out that Jesus’ ministry was not a three step plan, complete with PowerPoint, to bring people into a physical church building. Instead, He wandered from place to place, listening, sharing, and meeting people’s needs.
This is not a difficult read, not a philosophical or religious treatise. It is practical, sometimes humorous, and always interesting. It stimulates readers to think of ways they can use hospitality in their own circumstances, where God has located them, and with the people He brings into their lives. At the end of the book there is a helpful study guide for those who want to use this tool as a church or in a small group setting to learn about hospitality.
And as to the mouse click that brought The Simplest Way to Change the World to my iPad? No regrets here! Reading this book was a blessing.
I would like to extend my thanks to netgalley.com and to Moody Publishing for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 24, 2017
The word hospitality can stir up many thoughts and most of them are probably not great ones for a big number of people. Our culture today is opposite hospitality. We want our homes to be the place we come home to and relax without anyone ever coming into our home, except on those rare holiday occasions. However, that is one of the greatest tools we have to NOT look like the world. Dustin Willis and Brandon Clements lay out a great game plan to help change your thoughts on hospitality (yes, introverts, even you aren't excluded...but adaptations are made).
I loved the stories these two men share all throughout the pages reflecting on their own journey and both their successes and mistakes. I couldn't help but laugh out loud at some of their mishaps.
They have included an entire chapter on ways that you could open up your home to love your neighbors well. It is full of intentional ideas. The first 6 chapters deal with "The Potential." Christians have such potential waiting just next door to them. I really liked how one of them had talked about wheeling their grill into their front yard in order to start a conversation. Too often, we let the busyness that we all have, crowd out hospitality and getting to truly know people. Hospitality doesn't just happen. We have to be intentional about it and that's hard. I liked how one of them spoke about intentionally choosing a day in their own lives and they share their own story about the day they chose.
I also like how they do acknowledge the sacrifice it can be because it definitely is. They also acknowledge being taken advantage of (through a story of their own). They also talk to their readers about how hospitality is not about having the perfect home or the perfect food. They even share some funny stories about that, too.
I also really liked the cover. It spoke perfectly as to what the book would be about. The picture on the cover is absolutely beautiful and I did find myself just staring at it when I would close the book!
This book is set up perfectly to be a 6-week small group study. It would be a fabulous study to do in a small group and lots of discussions would be included. It would be neat to see all of the many neighbors welcomed willingly into the homes of each small group member. And with summer here, what better time than to open up the grill, open up the gate, and invite your neighbors over. Or to even do an S'mores Saturday with them!
______________
I received this book free from Moody Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.
I loved the stories these two men share all throughout the pages reflecting on their own journey and both their successes and mistakes. I couldn't help but laugh out loud at some of their mishaps.
They have included an entire chapter on ways that you could open up your home to love your neighbors well. It is full of intentional ideas. The first 6 chapters deal with "The Potential." Christians have such potential waiting just next door to them. I really liked how one of them had talked about wheeling their grill into their front yard in order to start a conversation. Too often, we let the busyness that we all have, crowd out hospitality and getting to truly know people. Hospitality doesn't just happen. We have to be intentional about it and that's hard. I liked how one of them spoke about intentionally choosing a day in their own lives and they share their own story about the day they chose.
I also like how they do acknowledge the sacrifice it can be because it definitely is. They also acknowledge being taken advantage of (through a story of their own). They also talk to their readers about how hospitality is not about having the perfect home or the perfect food. They even share some funny stories about that, too.
I also really liked the cover. It spoke perfectly as to what the book would be about. The picture on the cover is absolutely beautiful and I did find myself just staring at it when I would close the book!
This book is set up perfectly to be a 6-week small group study. It would be a fabulous study to do in a small group and lots of discussions would be included. It would be neat to see all of the many neighbors welcomed willingly into the homes of each small group member. And with summer here, what better time than to open up the grill, open up the gate, and invite your neighbors over. Or to even do an S'mores Saturday with them!
______________
I received this book free from Moody Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.
October 2, 2017
Dustin Willis and Brandon Clements introduce readers to hospitality as a way of life in The Simplest Way to Change the World.
Most of us consider our days ordinary and even insignificant. But as these authors point out, Jesus is in the business of taking small things and making them big. Not the other way around.
“In the same way, the ‘smallest’ things in our lives—ordinary days and meals and homes—can have a much larger impact than you’d ever imagine when harnessed with gospel intentionality,” writes Dustin and Brandon.
In our post-modern culture, hospitality may play an increasing role. The authors point out two reasons it’s such a timely opportunity: (1) people are longing for depth of relationship, which is exactly what hospitality provides, and (2) in a culture that is growing away from a fondness and familiarity with Christianity, hospitality gives us a unique avenue to exhibit the gospel and provides a way forward for us in a changing culture.
Throughout their book, they emphasize one main point: “The simplest way to change the world is to leverage your ordinary life for His history-sweeping mission of hospitality.”
This is not a revolutionary idea; the whole Bible speaks of God’s hospitality for us from the creation of the word to the redemption of mankind to the preparation of our future home.
Though we were once estranged from Him, our God—demonstrating the apex of hospitality--reconciled us to Himself.
This book beautifully demonstrates our redemption and reminds us to “become relentlessly warm and welcoming because we’ve been relentlessly welcomed in Christ.”
This book is not a particularly long read; it’s less than 150 pages, but it is packed full of truth and practical application. Quite simply it’s one of the best books I’ve read in a while.
And, if I am being honest, it was kind of nice to see a book on hospitality that was written by two guys—it plays havoc with our stereotypical visions of Martha Steward donned with an apron or perhaps the notion that hospitality is all about those fancy napkin folds.
It’s also a great resource for small groups. Appendix A contains a “Six-week small group guide,” which can also be downloaded for free on the publisher’s site.
But, don’t take my word for it. Read it and go change the world!
(Note: This book was provided by Moody Publishers in exchange for an honest review.)
Most of us consider our days ordinary and even insignificant. But as these authors point out, Jesus is in the business of taking small things and making them big. Not the other way around.
“In the same way, the ‘smallest’ things in our lives—ordinary days and meals and homes—can have a much larger impact than you’d ever imagine when harnessed with gospel intentionality,” writes Dustin and Brandon.
In our post-modern culture, hospitality may play an increasing role. The authors point out two reasons it’s such a timely opportunity: (1) people are longing for depth of relationship, which is exactly what hospitality provides, and (2) in a culture that is growing away from a fondness and familiarity with Christianity, hospitality gives us a unique avenue to exhibit the gospel and provides a way forward for us in a changing culture.
Throughout their book, they emphasize one main point: “The simplest way to change the world is to leverage your ordinary life for His history-sweeping mission of hospitality.”
This is not a revolutionary idea; the whole Bible speaks of God’s hospitality for us from the creation of the word to the redemption of mankind to the preparation of our future home.
Though we were once estranged from Him, our God—demonstrating the apex of hospitality--reconciled us to Himself.
This book beautifully demonstrates our redemption and reminds us to “become relentlessly warm and welcoming because we’ve been relentlessly welcomed in Christ.”
This book is not a particularly long read; it’s less than 150 pages, but it is packed full of truth and practical application. Quite simply it’s one of the best books I’ve read in a while.
And, if I am being honest, it was kind of nice to see a book on hospitality that was written by two guys—it plays havoc with our stereotypical visions of Martha Steward donned with an apron or perhaps the notion that hospitality is all about those fancy napkin folds.
It’s also a great resource for small groups. Appendix A contains a “Six-week small group guide,” which can also be downloaded for free on the publisher’s site.
But, don’t take my word for it. Read it and go change the world!
(Note: This book was provided by Moody Publishers in exchange for an honest review.)
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