Growing into Christ (7)

A bishop then must be…hospitable… 1 Timothy 3.3

The Elder and His Work
David Dickson (1821-1885)
“Our people should all know our dwelling, and feel that they are always welcome to come there when they wish to consult us. We may have visits from inquirers, especially young men, whom we can often help very much. It will be well for them to feel that we can talk on other subjects besides religion and now other books besides our Bible.”

Jesus said that a good shepherd knows his sheep, and his sheep also know him. What better way to show ourselves loving to those we are called to serve, than by opening our lives and homes to them, and making ourselves interested in the things that are of concern to them? As they feel welcome and loved in our presence, they will be more likely to receive our instruction and encouragement as we give it. The practice of hospitality is important in making disciples, both because of the actual time it provides for getting to know people and encouraging them in their walk with the Lord, and for what it symbolizes about opening ourselves to others, so that they can share in our lives. Hospitality can be practiced at many levels, and in quite casual and informal ways. It is a frame of mind that reaches out to others and says, “Welcome.” We can practice hospitality at work, out in the community, and even while we’re at church. But when it comes to making the most of this discipline, there’s no place like home.

What are some ways that you practice hospitality with the people God has called you to serve as a shepherd? What would you say are the keys to being effective in showing hospitality to others?

If Men Will Pray
Paul explicitly declared that men everywhere should lift holy hands in prayer, so that the Gospel could flourish (1 Tim. 2.1-8). So how is it with the men of your church? Are they men of prayer? Do they take no rest, and give God no rest, seeking Him in prayer? Men at Prayer provides resources for you to use in enlisting, equipping, and encouraging your men for prayer. Watch this brief video, then begin developing a strategy for leading the men of your church to take their place on the wall, seeking the Lord for revival, renewal, and awakening in our day. If you need helping thinking this through, or you’d like to talk about this effort, send me an email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

The Fellowship of Ailbe is supported through the generous and faithful gifts of those who benefit from and believe in our work. Does the Lord want to use you in this way? Please look to Him in prayer over this question. You can contribute to The Fellowship of Ailbe by using the Contribute button at our website, or by sending your gift to The Fellowship of Ailbe, 19 Tyler Drive, Essex Junction, VT 05452. Thank you.

Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.All quotations are from David Dickson, The Elder and His Work (Dallas: Presbyterian Heritage Publications, 1990).