Opening the Door: Using Home for Community
When our youngest was four, we went over to my mom’s house for our weekly Sunday lunch. My mom and dad had gotten brand new furniture that included a huge thick light-colored rug. Within one hour of our arrival, my youngest, spilt an entire bottle of red Gatorade all over the 3-day-old rug. I jumped up horrified, and my mom immediately said; “Oh good I’m so glad you spilt that Klay – now we don’t have to worry all the time about getting our first stain!”
My parents have always used their home as a gift to welcome others – and it is so evident when you visit them that they want to connect with you.
15 years ago, Aaron and I set a goal to see our home as a gift we use to welcome others. The past few weeks, we’ve felt especially aware of how God has answered that prayer. From a teen Super Bowl night, to lots of loud young boys spending the night, to Radiate Hockey, to small group, to a game-date night, to extended family—our home has been full. Full of people, noise, laughter, and connection.
And it’s been a reminder: this is exactly what we hoped for.
“They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts.” — Acts 2:46
Why Homes Matter for Community
There is something deeply meaningful about a home that welcomes others well. Throughout Scripture, God consistently works through ordinary spaces—tables, kitchens and shared meals. Before there were church buildings, there were homes.
Being in a home changes the way people interact. Homes slow us down. They help conversations move beyond surface level. They create space for people to relax, open up, and feel known in comfort.
Community often grows faster in a home because life is happening there. Kids or dust may be present. Dishes pile up. Laughter and interruptions are normal. And in that normalcy, relationships deepen through connection.
Community happens when people linger and feel comfortable, loved and connected.
Tips for Inviting Others Into Our Homes
Small, intentional choices can shape how people experience our homes:
Slow down when people are over
Sit together instead of immediately cleaning up
Offer but don’t insist. (For example: “There are drinks on the counter, grab one if you want one.”)
Keep it simple! Set out a simple snack or have people bring something – if you get stressed out to have people over, you’ll do it less. And, I promise you, no one is judging you over your food options or dusty end tables!
If you have families with younger kids over – have something for them to do. Parents feel loved and comfortable when their kids are loved and comfortable.
If you invite kids over – something is going to be ruined. We have personally chosen to have lower end furniture and hard surface floors so that this doesn’t phase us. But trust me it isn’t “if” it is “when” – and how you respond to this is a game changer on how welcome people feel in your home.
Using What God Has Already Given You
Your home doesn’t need to be big, quiet, or perfectly put together. God uses willingness far more than aesthetics.
“Do not forget to show hospitality.” — Hebrews 13:2
God designed our homes to be a gift, a space where His love is lived out and relationships take root. When we choose to welcome others in, we are not just hosting—we are participating in the quiet, powerful work of building His community.
Who can you invite into your home this month to build connection and Christian community?