The Art of Hospitality: A Practical Guide for a Ministry of Radical Welcome

by Debi Nixon, Yvonne Gentile

Engaging worship and intentional follow-up processes are important, but what compels guests to return to our churches is the warmth of our welcome and hospitality that goes beyond their expectations.

The Art of Hospitality, a new comprehensive program developed by hospitality experts from the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection, promises to guide a local church in exactly what the program's title implies: the artform of creating radical hospitality that infiltrates the heart and culture of the entire church. Complete with techniques and strategic planning throughout, The Art of Hospitality will effectively change how you do church, leaving guests surprised, delighted, and eager to return.

Loaded with key principles and methods honed by hospitality experts Debi Nixon and Yvonne Gentile in their work at The Church of the Resurrection, this guide is designed to engage staff across all ministry areas in creating a common language around the ministry of welcome.

Additional components purchased separately include:

The Art of Hospitality: Implementation Guide Includes step-by-step implementation strategies for leadership teams tasked with developing and leading hospitality ministry.

The Art of Hospitality: Implementation DVD A supplemental DVD to accompany Implementation with visual training in all areas of hospitality.

The Art of Hospitality: Companion Book Three-chapter book for the congregation as a whole or small groups to coincide with a sermon series in order to prepare the hearts and minds of the people in the pews.

This compelling and practical program has been created by two hospitality leaders with credentials to claim their expertise: Debi Nixon is the Executive Director of ShareChurch, and Yvonne Gentile is the Senior Director of Guest Connections at The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection--the largest United Methodist Church in the United States with more than 22,000 members and 13,000 average weekly attendees across its campuses.

144 pages, Paperback

Published May 19, 2020

Reviews

[Faith Daniel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a book chosen for a vision team at my church. I appreciate what this book is attempting to do, but I’m not sure i personally see myself and my ministry down the line working in this way. This is a book to help churches function more like a mega church, as this was written by employees of and models the Church of the Resurrection.

[Lauren Gurnee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was hoping this book would be, as the title implies, a guide for hospitality. Rather, it was more about what has worked for this one singular church. There definitely were some good pieces of information in there, especially in the beginning, but I was hoping for some more generalized tips.

[Braden Parks · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a pastor, this is an incredibly powerful and helpful read for all those in ministry. There are hard questions this brings up; especially, for local congregations that have lived the status quo life for years. This book is a great and easy read. It will make you uncomfortable at times but it will give you an opportunity to dialogue with congregants and church leaders about how we are to consciously and intentionally live and change as the ambassadors of Christ. I encourage everyone in church leadership to read this encouraging yet challenging book.

[Susannah Hornback · Rating 3 out of 5]

First, let me say that there were some good nuggets in this book. I was challenged by the idea of intentionally engaging with people at church within a ten-foot radius - it's been very helpful over the last few weeks for me to reach outside of my usual post-church group and talk to people I don't know.

That said, this book is far more helpful for someone in charge of an official church ministry than a lay member, which isn't clear from the title or back of the book. It also sets up being "outwardly focused" against other important aspects of the church, including nurturing the body of members. In one example, they shared a decision to remove obituaries from the bulletin because it made unchurched visitors uncomfortable - and they stuck to that decision even after there was a lot of hurt expressed by members of the congregation, who loved that section as a way to grieve and honor loved ones who had contributed to the church.

Overall, there were plenty of good things, but I was simply not able to use most of what was presented in the book because I was either not the target audience or I disagreed with their approach entirely.

[Patti Stites · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, quick read. Outlines how Church of the Resurrection creates a feeling of "radical hospitality" towards its guests. Many of the points are equally applicable for any customer facing business. It's all about making people feel seen and valued.

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good examples. This is not a book to read and digest entirely on your own -- you get more results and insights from group discussion.
I understand the importance of repetition, but some of it felt too repetetive.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Everyone wants to feel welcomed and this book includes basics for welcoming churches.