How to Be a Good Host
Qualifications for Leadership
Hosts vs. Guests
A good guest is respectful and appreciative, but they don’t have any responsibility. Sometimes they help, but they wait to be asked. Guests are reactive. They wait for somebody else to take the initiative and lead the conversations.
A good host initiates, connects, provides, and directs. They take the first step. They ask the first question. They lead the conversation. They make you feel comfortable — like you’re at home — and connect you with other people. They make you feel important. They provide. If you need anything, they assist you. They are there to serve. They direct. They don’t leave their guests guessing what they should do next. They provide leadership and direction. Hosts are proactive. They take the initiative and lead conversations.
Most people act like guests. Most people wait for somebody else to take the first step: to say “hi” first, to ask the first question, to make the first invitation. We love it when other people take the first step. It’s easier and less risky, but the key to leadership and blessing others is learning good hospitality. Leaders are hosts; leaders take the first step. In 1 Timothy 3, among the list of qualifications for church leadership, is hospitality. Being a good host is important to God.
Don’t let your fears and insecurities prevent you from being a good host.
Tips for Good Hospitality
Play Background Music. Turn on music, and put away distractions (phone, computer, TV).
Bring food or drink. Eating together makes people feel more comfortable.
Start on-time; end on-time. We don’t want anybody to feel trapped.
Be clean. Keep your meeting area clean and comfortable.
Honor everyone. Make a big deal out of everyone (celebrate) when they arrive.
Help People Transition. As people arrive, engage them immediately. Help them to join the conversation or activity of the group.
Connect Members to one another. It’s best for you to connect new or shy people to members of the group rather than always being their “safety net.”
Love those you lead.
