What is a H.O.S.T?

A HOST is a person at Calvary Church who has made the commitment to Doing Life Together.  This idea comes from the scriptures that tell us about the early church.  In Acts 2:42 from the Message Bible we read, “They (the earliest Christians] committed themselves to the teaching of the apostles, the life together, the common meal, and the prayers.”  A HOST is someone who has opened their home with the bottom line being that they want people to feel welcome and together to walk closer with our Lord.  Below is a more detailed description of what it means to be a HOST. 

H – in HOST stands for Have a HEART  for People – A host is someone who is a people person.  A host has a genuine heart for others.  A host cares about other people and wants them to feel welcome and safe and cared for.  The key verse for having a HEART for people is 1 John 3:23 “Love one another as I have loved you.”

O – in HOST stands for OPEN your home – God has blessed us with so much.  Our homes, no matter what kind, are a place where we feel comfortable.  When we welcome others into our home we are sharing the blessings of God.  In a home people tend to feel more relaxed and when we feel comfortable we then are more open to learn and share.  The key verse for OPEN your homes is Romans  15:7  “So reach out and welcome one another to God's glory. Jesus did it; now you do it! “

S – in HOST stands for SERVE a snack – a host always has a servant’s heart.  This means a host simply provides some kind of snack so that people feel comfortable and relaxed.  When we eat together like the earliest Christians, that is when real fellowship happens.  The key verse for SERVE a snack is from Matthew 5:6  "You're blessed when you've worked up a good appetite for God. He's food and drink in the best meal you'll ever eat.”

T – in HOST stands for TURN on the video – each time a Doing Life Together group meets, study of the word of God is essential.  We don’t expect the HOST to be a teacher or Bible Study Leader.  We will provide you with an 8 to 10 minute video that will provide the teaching that you need for your group.  Then we will provide discussion questions that will benefit your group.

Pray about it… If you can do those four things, 1 – Have a HEART for people, 2 – OPEN your home, 3 – SERVE a snack and 4 – TURN on your VCR then God wants you to step forward to be a HOST. 

How Do I Start?  You can sign up at the Information Booth, you can call Pastor Don at 599-4294 or you can email Pastor Don at don@calvaryripon.org