Radical Hospitality: Building Bigger Tables of Welcome
Summary
### Summary
Today, we embark on a 10-week series titled "Chapel So Bright, Gotta Wear Shades," beginning with the theme of hospitality and the core commitment of "Welcome." Hospitality is not just a practice but a foundational value that defines our community. We are an interdenominational church, embracing diverse denominational backgrounds and unifying not around doctrines but around shared practices. This approach allows us to focus on orthopraxy—right action—rather than orthodoxy—right belief.
Our mission statement, "Chapel by the Sea aspires to be a beacon of God's love, inviting people into a vibrant life with Christ," encapsulates our commitment to inclusivity and community. We aim to welcome, include, love, and respect all people, engaging them through thoughtful worship, inspiring music, and honest exploration of scripture. This mission is reflected in our 10 core commitments: welcome, gather, pray, give, serve, forgive, sing, grow, respect, and love.
The concept of welcoming is deeply rooted in biblical teachings. Jesus emphasized the importance of humility and inclusivity, urging us to invite the marginalized—the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind—to our tables. This radical hospitality is a reflection of God's love and a call to build bigger tables, not higher fences.
In our community, we strive to be a beacon of God's love, shining the light of Christ in all we do. This light is not confined to Sundays but extends throughout the week, inviting everyone, even those behind the hedges, to join us in a vibrant life with Christ. As we continue this series, let us remember that our commitment to welcome is not just a practice but a way of life that reflects the love and inclusivity of Christ.
### Key Takeaways
1. Radical Hospitality: Jesus teaches us to extend our hospitality beyond our immediate circles, inviting the marginalized and the overlooked to our tables. This radical hospitality is a reflection of God's inclusive love and a call to build bigger tables, not higher fences. [16:18]
2. Unity Through Practices: At Chapel by the Sea, we unify not around doctrines but around shared practices. This approach, known as orthopraxy, emphasizes right action over right belief, allowing us to embrace diverse denominational backgrounds while focusing on living out our faith through love and service. [10:08]
3. Biblical Foundation: Our commitment to welcome is deeply rooted in biblical teachings. Jesus' Great Commandment to love God and our neighbors, and the early church's practice of communal living and sharing, serve as our guiding principles. These teachings emphasize action and community over individual belief. [11:30]
4. Inclusivity and Diversity: As an interdenominational church, we celebrate and embrace the richness of various denominational traditions. This inclusivity allows us to create a melting pot of faith practices, fostering a community where everyone is welcome and valued. [05:22]
5. Living the Mission: Our mission statement, "Chapel by the Sea aspires to be a beacon of God's love, inviting people into a vibrant life with Christ," is not just words but a call to action. We are committed to shining the light of Christ in all we do, welcoming all people, and living out our faith through love, service, and community. [03:25]
### YouTube Chapters
1. [0:00] - Welcome
2. [01:06] - Introduction to Hospitality
3. [01:54] - Low Sunday and Rolling Up Sleeves
4. [02:31] - Grant and Core Commitments
5. [03:25] - Mission Statement
6. [04:13] - Interdenominational vs. Non-Denominational
7. [05:22] - Embracing Denominational Diversity
8. [05:57] - Non-Doctrinal Approach
9. [07:05] - Baptism Example
10. [08:14] - Unifying Around Practices
11. [10:08] - Orthodoxy vs. Orthopraxy
12. [11:30] - The Great Commandment
13. [12:13] - Early Church Practices
14. [13:01] - 10 Core Commitments
15. [13:45] - The Importance of Welcome
16. [14:41] - Welcoming Congregation
17. [15:26] - Biblical Hospitality
18. [16:18] - Parable of the Great Banquet
19. [19:14] - Building a Bigger Table
20. [21:34] - Shining God's Light
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 22:37-39 (NRSV)
> "He said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’"
2. Acts 2:44-47 (NRSV)
> "All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved."
3. Luke 14:12-14 (NRSV)
> "He said also to the one who had invited him, ‘When you give a luncheon or a dinner, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbors, in case they may invite you in return, and you would be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you, for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.’"
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Jesus identify as the greatest and second greatest commandments in Matthew 22:37-39?
2. According to Acts 2:44-47, how did the early church practice communal living and sharing?
3. In Luke 14:12-14, who does Jesus suggest we should invite to our banquets, and why?
4. What is the mission statement of Chapel by the Sea, and how does it reflect the church's commitment to inclusivity? [03:25]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the Great Commandment in Matthew 22:37-39 emphasize action over belief, and why is this significant for our understanding of faith? [11:30]
2. What can we learn from the early church's practices in Acts 2:44-47 about the importance of community and sharing in our own church context? [12:13]
3. How does Jesus' teaching in Luke 14:12-14 challenge our conventional ideas of hospitality and inclusivity?
4. How does the concept of "radical hospitality" as described in the sermon reflect the biblical teachings on welcoming the marginalized? [16:18]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt truly welcomed in a community. What specific actions made you feel included, and how can you replicate those actions in your church community? [14:41]
2. The sermon emphasizes building bigger tables instead of higher fences. What practical steps can you take to extend hospitality to those who are often overlooked or marginalized in your community? [19:14]
3. How can you personally contribute to the mission of Chapel by the Sea to be a beacon of God's love, inviting people into a vibrant life with Christ? [03:25]
4. Think about the diverse denominational backgrounds within your church. How can you celebrate and embrace this diversity in your interactions and church activities? [05:22]
5. The sermon mentions the importance of orthopraxy—right action—over orthodoxy—right belief. What are some specific actions you can take this week to live out your faith in a way that reflects God's love and inclusivity? [10:08]
6. Jesus' parable of the great banquet in Luke 14:12-14 calls us to invite the marginalized to our tables. Identify one person or group in your life who might feel excluded. How can you extend an invitation to them this week? [16:18]
7. How can you shine the light of Christ in your daily life, not just on Sundays, but throughout the week? What specific actions can you take to be a beacon of God's love in your workplace, neighborhood, or social circles? [21:34]
Devotional
Day 1: Radical Hospitality: Extending God's Inclusive Love
Description: Radical hospitality is a core teaching of Jesus, urging us to extend our welcome beyond our immediate circles to include the marginalized and overlooked. This concept is not just about being polite or friendly but about embodying God's inclusive love. Jesus' parable of the Great Banquet illustrates this beautifully, where the host invites the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind to his feast, showing that God's love knows no boundaries. This radical hospitality calls us to build bigger tables, not higher fences, ensuring that everyone has a place in our community. [16:18]
Luke 14:13-14 (ESV): "But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the just."
Reflection: Think of someone in your life who is often overlooked or marginalized. How can you extend radical hospitality to them this week, making them feel truly welcomed and valued?
Day 2: Unity Through Practices: Embracing Orthopraxy
Description: At Chapel by the Sea, unity is achieved not through shared doctrines but through shared practices, a concept known as orthopraxy. This approach emphasizes right action over right belief, allowing the community to embrace diverse denominational backgrounds while focusing on living out their faith through love and service. By prioritizing practices such as welcoming, gathering, praying, giving, and serving, the church creates a cohesive community that reflects the teachings of Jesus. This method fosters an environment where actions speak louder than words, and faith is demonstrated through tangible acts of love and kindness. [10:08]
James 2:17-18 (ESV): "So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, 'You have faith and I have works.' Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works."
Reflection: Reflect on your daily actions. How can you incorporate more acts of love and service into your routine to better live out your faith?
Day 3: Biblical Foundation: Living Out the Great Commandment
Description: The commitment to welcome and inclusivity at Chapel by the Sea is deeply rooted in biblical teachings. Jesus' Great Commandment to love God and our neighbors, along with the early church's practice of communal living and sharing, serve as guiding principles. These teachings emphasize the importance of action and community over individual belief. By focusing on these biblical foundations, the church encourages its members to live out their faith in practical ways, demonstrating God's love through their actions and interactions with others. [11:30]
1 John 3:18 (ESV): "Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth."
Reflection: How can you show love to your neighbors in a practical way today? Think of one specific action you can take to demonstrate God's love.
Day 4: Inclusivity and Diversity: Celebrating Denominational Richness
Description: As an interdenominational church, Chapel by the Sea celebrates and embraces the richness of various denominational traditions. This inclusivity allows the church to create a melting pot of faith practices, fostering a community where everyone is welcome and valued. By focusing on shared practices rather than doctrinal differences, the church creates a space where diverse backgrounds can come together in unity. This approach not only enriches the community but also reflects the diverse and inclusive nature of God's kingdom. [05:22]
Galatians 3:28 (ESV): "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."
Reflection: How can you celebrate and embrace the diversity within your own faith community? Think of one way you can show appreciation for a different denominational tradition this week.
Day 5: Living the Mission: Shining the Light of Christ
Description: The mission statement of Chapel by the Sea, "Chapel by the Sea aspires to be a beacon of God's love, inviting people into a vibrant life with Christ," is not just words but a call to action. The church is committed to shining the light of Christ in all they do, welcoming all people, and living out their faith through love, service, and community. This mission extends beyond Sunday services, encouraging members to embody the love and inclusivity of Christ in their daily lives. By doing so, the church aims to create a community that reflects the light of Christ and invites others to experience a vibrant life with Him. [03:25]
Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV): "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."
Reflection: How can you shine the light of Christ in your daily interactions? Identify one specific way you can be a beacon of God's love to those around you today.
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Chapel by the Sea aspires to be a beacon of God's love, inviting people into a vibrant life with Christ. I love that. And I think it's beautiful. I want to go ahead and read the next part where it gets down into how we do that. So it starts with as an interdenominational. Ready? Read that with me. As an interdenominational Christian faith community, we share common commitments to, welcome, include, love, and respect all people, engage people through thoughtful worship, inspiring music, and honest exploration of scripture, nurture authentic community and deep spirituality, growing in our faith together, transform our world through active service and advocacy." [03:25] (58 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "When you have more than you need build a bigger table not a higher fence and so here the chapel we're building a bigger table we're building a table that's big enough for me there are tables I've been excluded from in my past as a woman in ministry but here the chapel there's a table that's big enough for me, and maybe the table's big enough even for you. We're building a bigger table here, and that's one way that we're doing our best to shine like a beacon of God's love, inspiring people, inviting people to a vibrant life of Christ." [19:14] (51 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "When you're a beacon of God's love, you're shining God's light at all times, not just on Sundays, but Monday and Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, Friday, and even on Saturdays. So you take these sunglasses, and you go shine the light of Christ. You go be the beacon of God's love, welcoming all people, even the people that you find behind the hedges, especially the people that you find behind the hedges." [21:34] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Here at the chapel, we actually believe what Jesus wanted is important. And we try to bring that 45,000-plus denominations together in this one beautiful kind of weird melting pot that we call Chapel by the Sea. And with that unity, how do we do it then? If it's not going to be unifying around a set of doctrines, how do we unify? We unify around a set of practices. What our team decided to call, core commitments, a way of living and being in this world that we can kind of come together around." [10:08] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "So here at the chapel, we have these 10 core commitments. And these, I didn't come up with them. The small team didn't come up with them. This was from the listening sessions with over 50 people involved in those. Another 50, some of the same 50 in the listening sessions participated in this Saturday. So 10 core commitments. They're printed in pretty colors. They're in your bulletin. It starts with the word welcome. Read the pretty colors with me, if you will. Ready? We welcome, gather, pray, give, serve, forgive, sing, grow, respect, love. Over the next 10 weeks, we're going to dive into these. And we're going to begin today with the first one. Welcome. Welcome. Welcome. Welcome." [13:01] (51 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Our faith teaches us that we are to welcome the stranger. And so we read about Jesus here today. He's at the table. He's at the house of one of the most prominent Pharisees, and he's been invited to this dinner. And so there are other people at the table, and he notices them kind of jockeying for position. It's a thing in a lot of other countries and in the past that people would be positioned at the table in seats of authority or power. So kind of people are jockeying for the best seat at the table. Jesus notices this, and he talks to them about humility. And then he turns to the host, and he says, you know, the next time you throw a dinner, don't invite, you know, your family. Don't invite your friends. Don't invite your rich neighbors. Go out and invite the poor and the crippled and the lame and the blind." [16:18] (53 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Individual belief. What? Corporate practice. That's how we organize our life together here at the chapel. All right. Are you with me? We're doing the dishes today, folks. And so here at the chapel, we have these 10 core commitments. And these, I didn't come up with them. The small team didn't come up with them. This was from the listening sessions with over 50 people involved in those. Another 50, some of the same 50 in the listening sessions participated in this Saturday. So 10 core commitments. They're printed in pretty colors. They're in your bulletin. It starts with the word welcome. Read the pretty colors with me, if you will. Ready? We welcome, gather, pray, give, serve, forgive, sing, grow, respect, love." [13:01] (56 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "You see yourselves as a welcoming congregation. I see you as a welcoming congregation. And it makes sense. Here we are in one of the world's best tourist destinations, if you ask me. Visitors from all over the United States and around the world. Anybody here from Germany today? Hey, there they are. Any other countries represent Canada? We've got some beautiful Canadians. Any other countries here today? All right. So we've got some Germans and some Canadians, and the rest of us are good old United Statesians, right? We get tourists from around the world that come here. And so it makes sense that hospitality and welcoming the stranger would be one of our top priorities, one of our core commitments. But it's also biblical." [15:26] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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