Our family settled into what was becoming a new routine one Sunday during the pandemic lockdown. We crafted a worship playlist on YouTube, and my husband delivered a sermon from his office, broadcasting live on Facebook. With our four kids at home, we could see familiar faces joining us online, but something felt amiss. It was a bit flat until after the service when we gathered for an online game. Laughter and conversation flowed as though we were together in person. It was like water in the desert, leaving us refreshed in our faith and reconnected with our church family. The worship and sermon were indeed meaningful, but it was the fellowship that brought everything to life.
As we’ve returned to our churches and communities, it still feels like we are facing another pandemic—a cultural one. We seem ready to don metaphorical masks or bear a chip on our shoulder at the first hint of differing beliefs. The COVID pandemic has amplified an existing problem: a pandemic of disconnection, isolation, and loneliness. We live in a world that is hyperconnected through technology yet disconnected in meaningful ways. This disconnection is more than a social inconvenience; it is a profound loss.
Studies show a lack of connection in our culture contributes to various social issues, including addiction. Some colleges now offer classes in social skills, underscoring a societal need for reconnection. In the Church, true belonging often begins with fellowship. Sadly, even within the Church, we see a drift away from God’s ways.
But God’s wisdom remains clear and relevant. Do not neglect to extend hospitality to strangers , for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it. (Hebrews 13:2, AMP). Hospitality is a timeless practice that we often underestimate.
Dear friends, my friend Nancy and I want to give you an invitation to take back what’s real, even when real is difficult or uncomfortable. We invite you to walk with us through a revival of connecting with each other, of hospitality, and genuine fellowship.
Just like in our online game after the worship service, connection helps our faith come to life. It also brings life into our homes, our families, and our communities. We’re giving you an invitation to join us on this journey to meaningful connection in a disconnected world. We will be sharing each week practical ideas, devotional thoughts, and encouragement for us to accept the invitation to connect with our communities.
We hope you’ll join us in returning to or discovering living a life of invitation.