There are a couple of texts that describe the essential qualities for elders in the New Testament. In 1 Timothy 3:1-13, the list appears back to back with a list for qualifications for deacons. The two lists are pretty similar to each other. And on both lists, there are some of the attributes one might expect to find in church leaders: being above reproach, self-controlled, not quarrelsome or greedy, and others.

But there are two qualities that appear on the list for elders on this list that don’t appear on  the deacon requirements: able teaching of the word, and hospitality.

The first one I totally get. Elders should be teaching the word of God, and people should generally recognize their propensity to do so within the congregation. It’s the hospitality part that baffles me a little bit. What does making a casserole and putting out placemats have to do with church leadership?

My response to that reveals a couple of things. First of all, that my tendency to create a prideful hierarchy runs very, very deep and is very, very contrary to Scripture. Secondly, that I still have much to learn about the nature of what true hospitality is. Oh, it might indeed be making a casserole and inviting people over to dinner to eat it. But more importantly, hospitality is the practical demonstration of the gospel.

The word hospitality comes from the combination of two words: “love” and “stranger.” Literally, then, hospitality is the love of strangers. And this is how we see the gospel sneaking into those casseroles, placemats, and open doors. For what is the gospel?

It’s the love of strangers. Enemies, in fact. When we had nowhere to go and nothing to offer, God threw the doors of His house open and invited us in to sit at His table. And eat His food. And be part of His family.

Here’s to you, casserole-maker, for in this, you show us the love of God in Christ.