Ministry

Building a Home of Hospitality

This term at chapel, our theme is Construction. We’re exploring different things that are built and asking how they can also build and shape us as people. 

We've talked about homes.

We've asked students, “What’s your favourite room in your house, and why?” 

This simple question helped us recognise that our homes are more than just buildings. They are places where memories are made, conversations happen, meals are shared and relationships are formed. Our homes can be places of safety and belonging, but they can also shape the way we welcome and care for others.

This led us into the biblical idea of hospitality. The Greek word philoxenia means 'love for the stranger' and gives us a picture of creating space for people who may not always feel like they belong.

Jesus modelled this throughout His ministry. In Luke 19, Jesus chose to visit Zacchaeus, a tax collector who was disliked and rejected by many. Jesus entered his home, shared a meal with him and showed him that he was seen and valued.

We challenged students to think about what hospitality could look like in everyday life. It might be sitting with someone at lunch, inviting someone into a conversation, sharing food, welcoming someone new or simply making space for someone who feels alone.

A house is a physical place, but a home is created by people.

As a ministry team, our challenge is to consider: Are we creating spaces where young people feel welcomed, valued and like they belong?

Because sometimes, creating a home for someone doesn't require a house, it simply requires us to make room.

Kounkia Hean

Ministry Youth Worker