August 31, 2021

“Let’s Be a Host Home!”

An encouraging word from Curtis McCoskey

“Let’s be a host home! It’ll be easy!”

I suppose it could be easy, but you might be underestimating the impact you have on the success of the group.

Let’s face it, we are all busy. When group night rolls around the devil starts telling us all the legitimate reasons we could just skip this week, and sometimes he wins. But one key to a successful group is regular attendance by all, and the host home should play a significant role in getting the members of the group to not only regularly attend, but look forward to going.

Being a host home should not be a decision based on ease or convenience. It should be a decision based on a desire to serve and pour yourself out for others. This is part of your service and ministry to your brothers and sisters in Christ and your neighborhood, to the glory of God.

Colossians 3:23-24
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.“

The host should start getting ready for the group well before they arrive. Members should feel anticipated and welcome. The coffee should be brewed, maybe some background music, seating area prepared…

I like to prepare food for every gathering. You can do a treat schedule, but sometimes members are rushing to get there and forget it was their night to bring treats and then they feel bad. As the host, I want coming to group to be as easy as possible. I tell them that I will always have something to snack on, but they are always welcome to bring something. Treats can be as simple as chips and dip or popcorn. Personally, I prefer to go a little more over the top.

I cook dinner on Tuesday thinking about food for the group on Wednesday.
For example, if I make chicken wings for dinner, I’ll make enough to warm up and serve to the group the next day.

Get to know the members. Find out what they like to drink and their favorite sweet and salty snacks. Find out what allergies people have and accommodate them as much as you can. Make a point to have specific snacks for specific people periodically. It may seem small but this simple act means a lot to people.

Once the members of the group begin to see how you consistently prepare for them, it begins to create anticipation and appreciation for what you do. This, in turn, makes them feel more committed to regularly attending.

Many people who host have no idea how much they can contribute to the success and vibrance of the group. They offer far more than a place to meet. The host sets the tone. They create the anticipation and excitement of going and make everyone feel like they matter.

To have a really good group you need all involved to regularly attend, and to get regular attendance you need all involved to be excited with anticipation about going, and you, the host, can create that excited anticipation.