The Simplest Way to Change the World: Biblical Hospitality As a Way of Life

This book by Dustin Willis and Brandon Clements is about using hospitality to change the world. They argue from a Biblical perspective that hospitality-- inviting people into your home, taking people in, taking care of people, talking to people-- is the best way to change the world. By doing this, we are following God's order to every single person on earth: to be a disciple and show others the love of God.

They tell the reader that we must see that our ordinary lives are significant. When we invite someone in and show them love, and allow them to see our crazy and imperfect lived that are lived for Christ, we can show them the love that Christ has for us. They use the point that it is much more likely that someone will come over if you invite them for dinner than if you invite them to a church event.

These two authors were so relatable, funny, and vulnerable, it was truly a joy to read their words. They give responses for all of our excuses that we just cannot lie about, and offer questions to consider at the end of each chapter, so you can figure out the best way to use hospitality in your life. This book also includes a bonus 6 week group study guide.

I gave this book 5/5 stars, and I truly think this is a book that everyone should read, because it is just so simple and powerful.

*I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.

There is nothing new in this book. It has all been said before, both in the Bible and throughout church history. But it is a message that easily gets lost in the mix. Living in such a fast-paced world with so many things to do in a week, why is it necessary to read another book on biblical hospitality? Just as the title suggests, it is perhaps the simplest way to change the world. Dustin Willis and Brandon Clements draw attention to the smallest and seemingly insignificant gesture of inviting someone over for dinner as a catalyst for life transformation. Of course, the Holy Spirit is responsible for changing a life, but individual Christians can begin this opening their door to their neighbors. Since we serve a hospitable God who makes room at His table for people of all tribes and all nations, we too should make room at our table for those around us. In fact, the authors make the point that hospitality and hospital share the same root. If a hospital is a place where physically sick people go to get healthy, then practicing hospitality by inviting spiritually lost people into our homes is a way to experience healing from the Lord. The authors do not sugar coat hospitality as always turning out in a positive manner. Just as with all relationships, they can be very messy. But the reward is often worth the risk. This book is less about making a biblical case for hospitality (which the authors do include) and more about describing what biblical hospitality looks like in practice. It includes numerous practical ways to meet and interact with neighbors. Put them to the test and trust the Lord for the harvest. I received this book free from the publishers in return for an honest review.

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!

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I received this book free from Moody Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

I enjoyed reading this book. From addressing the differences between hospitality and entertaining, to responding to excuses that we all have when it comes to opening our homes and our lives to those around us, this is a great resource for families and small groups. I will be suggesting this book and 6-week group study to a few of my own friends. Highly recommend!

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.