Reading: The Duties of the Host Minister

The Duties of the Host Minister: Influenced by the DNA of the Deacons in Acts 6

The role of the Host Minister in the Christian tradition is deeply influenced by the creation of deacons, as described in Acts 6. When the early church faced growing needs within their community, they appointed deacons to ensure that the physical and spiritual needs of believers were met with care and compassion. This historical moment in the church's formation laid the foundation for ministry roles like that of the Host Minister, who is called to serve others through radical hospitality, care for the vulnerable, and the building of Christian community.

The story in Acts 6 provides a compelling blueprint for how Christian leaders are to approach ministry, balancing practical service with spiritual leadership. The work of the Host Minister reflects this same DNA, combining hands-on care for those in need with the deeper responsibility of nurturing spiritual growth.

The Creation of Deacons in Acts 6

The account in Acts 6 details the appointment of seven men to serve as deacons, tasked with distributing food to the widows in the early Christian community. As the number of believers grew, so did the needs of the people, especially the more vulnerable members, such as widows who were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food.

The apostles recognized that these growing needs could not be ignored, but also that their primary calling was to "devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word" (Acts 6:4, WEB). To ensure that both the practical needs of the community and the spiritual mission of the apostles were fulfilled, they appointed seven men, full of the Spirit and wisdom, to take on the responsibility of serving the widows. These men became the first deacons, setting the precedent for ministry roles dedicated to service.

This decision allowed the apostles to focus on preaching and prayer, while the deacons were entrusted with the important work of serving those in need. This division of responsibilities created a holistic approach to ministry, ensuring that both the physical and spiritual needs of the community were met. The work of the deacons was not secondary to the preaching of the apostles; rather, it was essential to the health and growth of the early church.

Parallels Between Deacons and Host Ministers

The role of the Host Minister draws directly from the DNA of the deacons in Acts 6. Both roles emphasize the importance of practical service within the Christian community, ensuring that the most vulnerable are cared for while fostering a spirit of unity and love. Host Ministers, like deacons, are called to serve in ways that reflect the love of Christ and meet both the physical and spiritual needs of those they serve.

1. Practical Service to the Vulnerable
   Just as the deacons in Acts 6 were tasked with caring for widows, a marginalized group in society, Host Ministers are often called to serve vulnerable populations. Whether providing temporary shelter, offering meals, or creating a welcoming environment for those in crisis, Host Ministers fulfill a vital role in the Christian community. Their ministry extends to refugees, newly divorced individuals, single parents, immigrants, and others who are in need of support during difficult transitions.

The work of the Host Minister, like that of the deacons, ensures that no one in the community is neglected. It is a ministry of care that attends to the practical needs of individuals while also reflecting the compassion and love of Christ.

2. Serving Through Hospitality
   The appointment of deacons was a response to the practical need for food distribution, a fundamental aspect of hospitality in the early church. Similarly, Host Ministers are called to practice hospitality as a form of ministry. They open their homes to those in need, offering not just physical sustenance but also a place of safety, comfort, and spiritual nourishment.

Hospitality is more than just providing for someone's physical needs; it is an expression of the Gospel. Host Ministers, like the deacons, are stewards of God’s grace, offering a tangible demonstration of Christ’s love through their service.

3. Spiritual Leadership Through Service
   While the deacons in Acts 6 were appointed to focus on practical service, their ministry was deeply spiritual. Stephen, one of the seven deacons, is described as "a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 6:5, WEB) and later demonstrated great wisdom and spiritual power in his ministry. This blend of practical service and spiritual leadership is central to the role of the Host Minister as well.

Host Ministers are not merely tasked with physical care; they are spiritual leaders within their homes and communities. Through prayer, Bible study, and offering spiritual counsel, they guide those they serve toward a deeper relationship with Christ. The service of a Host Minister, like that of the deacons, is holistic, addressing both the physical and spiritual needs of the people.

4. The Power of Delegated Ministry
   Acts 6 shows the importance of delegation in ministry. The apostles recognized that they could not meet every need on their own, so they entrusted the deacons with the ministry of service. This delegation allowed the church to grow and thrive, as more people were empowered to take on leadership roles within the community.

In the same way, Host Ministers are often called to delegate responsibilities within their homes or churches. They may train others to join them in ministry, multiplying their efforts and ensuring that more people are cared for. This model of delegated ministry allows for the expansion of Christian hospitality, creating a network of care that extends far beyond the efforts of a single individual.

5. Fostering Unity in the Church
   The creation of deacons in Acts 6 was not just about meeting practical needs; it was also about maintaining unity within the church. The early Christian community was growing rapidly, and tensions arose between different groups. By appointing deacons to ensure that everyone’s needs were met, the apostles helped to prevent division and fostered a spirit of unity.

Host Ministers play a similar role in their communities. By welcoming people into their homes and offering hospitality, they help to break down barriers and create spaces of inclusion and love. Whether they are serving fellow believers or reaching out to those who are new to the faith, Host Ministers help to strengthen the bonds of Christian fellowship and unity.

Radical Hospitality as Ministry

Host Ministers, inspired by the example of the deacons, are called to a radical form of hospitality that goes beyond the ordinary. This can involve opening their homes to provide temporary housing for those who are displaced, such as refugees, individuals recovering from addiction, or those recently released from prison. These "special ops" forms of hospitality are not without challenges, but they offer profound opportunities for ministry.

The deacons in Acts 6 were willing to serve wherever they were needed, regardless of the personal cost. In the same way, Host Ministers are called to serve with a heart of sacrifice, recognizing that in serving others, they are serving Christ Himself. This type of radical hospitality requires a deep commitment to the mission of the Gospel and a willingness to step into difficult or uncomfortable situations for the sake of others.

Conclusion: The Lasting Legacy of Acts 6

The appointment of deacons in Acts 6 was a pivotal moment in the history of the early church. It demonstrated the importance of practical service as a vital part of Christian ministry and set a precedent for how the church should care for its members. The work of the Host Minister today is a continuation of this legacy, blending practical care with spiritual leadership in a way that reflects the heart of Christ.

Host Ministers, like the deacons, are called to meet the needs of the most vulnerable, to offer hospitality as an act of worship, and to serve with humility and love. Their ministry is rooted in the DNA of the early church, where service to others was seen as essential to the mission of the Gospel. Through their work, Host Ministers embody the radical hospitality that Jesus modeled and continue the legacy of the deacons who served with compassion and faithfulness in the early days of the Christian church.

Duties Description of a Host Minister

Inspired by the Qualifications of a Deacon and the Calling and Gifts of a Host Minister

Role Overview: A Host Minister serves a vital role within the Christian community, providing hospitality, care, and spiritual leadership to individuals and families in need. Drawing inspiration from the biblical qualifications of a deacon (1 Timothy 3:8-13) and the spiritual calling of hospitality, the Host Minister is responsible for creating safe, welcoming, and nurturing environments where guests can experience the love of Christ. This ministry includes offering temporary shelter, providing spiritual support, and fostering a sense of community.

The Host Minister is a servant leader who reflects the love of Christ through compassionate care, wise stewardship, and a heart for those in transition. Whether hosting small groups, refugees, newly divorced individuals, or others in need, the Host Minister is called to serve both the physical and spiritual needs of those they welcome.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Hospitality and Practical Care

• Provide Shelter and Support: Open your home or designated space to individuals and families in need of temporary housing, such as refugees, single parents, immigrants, newly unemployed individuals, or those recovering from crisis situations.
• Basic Needs: Ensure that guests have access to food, shelter, and other basic necessities, including toiletries, clothing, and medical care when necessary.
• Safe Environment: Create a safe and respectful atmosphere where guests feel secure, both physically and emotionally. This includes establishing clear expectations for behavior, privacy, and mutual respect within the home.
• Household Management: Set clear guidelines for household responsibilities, including chores, cleanliness, and communal living rules to maintain order and a peaceful environment.

2. Spiritual Care and Guidance

• Prayer and Worship: Lead or facilitate times of prayer, Bible study, and worship for guests, incorporating spiritual practices that nurture both the host and the guests. This includes creating opportunities for guests to experience the Christian faith and to grow spiritually.
• Biblical Hospitality: Emulate the model of biblical hospitality as seen in passages like Romans 12:13, Hebrews 13:2, and the example of Christ, who welcomed strangers and cared for the vulnerable.
• Discipleship: Provide spiritual mentorship and discipleship to guests, helping them grow in their faith or explore Christianity in a welcoming and non-coercive manner.

3. Compassionate Listening and Trauma-Informed Care

• Offer Compassionate Conversations: Engage in empathetic and healing conversations, especially with guests who may have experienced trauma, loss, or significant life disruptions. Be a listening ear and provide emotional support during their time of transition.
• Recognize Trauma: Be sensitive to the signs of trauma and emotional distress. Offer spiritual and emotional care that promotes healing and restoration, while being mindful of when to refer guests to professional counseling services if needed.

4. Conflict Resolution and Mediation

• Manage Disputes: Address and mediate conflicts that may arise in shared living environments, ensuring that disputes are handled with grace, patience, and biblical principles of reconciliation.
• Maintain Boundaries: Establish and enforce healthy boundaries for both guests and hosts to prevent burnout and ensure a sustainable environment of care.

5. Cultural Sensitivity and Inclusion

• Foster Inclusivity: Respect and honor cultural differences, creating an inclusive environment that welcomes people from diverse backgrounds. Be aware of and sensitive to different cultural norms and practices, while fostering unity and understanding within the home.
• Cross-Cultural Communication: Use effective communication strategies that allow for respectful exchanges of ideas and values, even when cultural differences are present.

6. Skill Development and Transition Planning

• Support Skill Development: Equip guests with essential life skills, such as job readiness, language literacy, and household management, to prepare them for independence and self-sufficiency. Offer practical support in areas like job searching, resume writing, and navigating public services.
• Assist with Transitions: Help guests create an exit plan for their next steps, including finding permanent housing, employment, or additional resources. Provide emotional and spiritual support as they transition to their next phase of life.

7. Evangelism and Witness

• Share the Gospel: Be a faithful witness of Christ through actions and words, presenting the Christian faith in a non-coercive and respectful manner. Invite guests to explore faith through participation in local Christian communities or worship services.
• Church Involvement: Encourage guests to get involved in the local church community, fostering a sense of belonging and discipleship. This includes inviting them to church services, prayer groups, and community outreach events.

Qualifications of a Host Minister:

• Character: The Host Minister should demonstrate integrity, compassion, and humility. They must be "dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain" (1 Timothy 3:8, WEB). They must embody Christ-like love and patience, especially when dealing with individuals from various backgrounds and with diverse needs.
• Spiritual Maturity: A deep and growing relationship with Jesus Christ is essential. Host Ministers must be able to lead others spiritually, guiding them in faith and modeling what it means to live as a follower of Christ.
• Wisdom and Discernment: As with the deacons in Acts 6, Host Ministers should be filled with wisdom and the Holy Spirit, able to discern the needs of their guests and offer the appropriate care and support.
• Servant's Heart: Host Ministers are called to serve with a heart of humility and compassion, always seeking to put the needs of others before their own. They should view their role as a ministry of love and service to Christ and the broader community.

Conclusion:

The role of the Host Minister is a vital expression of Christian service, rooted in the early church's example of diaconal ministry in Acts 6. This ministry requires not only practical skills but also spiritual depth, wisdom, and a heart for those in need. Through their hospitality, Host Ministers serve as ambassadors of Christ’s love, offering a place of refuge, healing, and growth for those they welcome into their homes and communities.