Biblical Hospitality Part 3: Plan Planning Ahead – The Secret to Joyful Hospitality
“Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” — Hebrews 13:2 (ESV)
If you’ve followed our recent Coffee Chats series on biblical hospitality, you already know that I love opening my home. I also have to confess something to you—I don’t naturally love planning ahead!
My dear friend, Dianne Dougharty, and I recently laughed about our very different personalities. Dianne is the planner. She opens a cluttered drawer and sees an exciting organizing project. I open that same drawer and think, “Let’s close it and invite people over anyway!”
I tend to be what I call “a party waiting to happen.” I can often pull something together at the last minute. But over the years, I’ve also learned that while spontaneity can be fun, planning ahead allows me to enjoy my guests rather than feel overwhelmed by them.
That was one of the greatest takeaways from our conversation.
Hospitality Shouldn’t Feel Like a Burden
So many ministry wives have told me:
“I’d love to have people over, but my house isn’t perfect.”
“I’m not a great cook.”
“My husband invited someone over tonight…again!”
“I’m just too stressed.”
Friend, if you’ve ever felt that way, you’re not alone.
Hospitality was never intended to become another exhausting item on our ministry to-do list. Instead, it’s one of God’s beautiful ways of displaying His love through ordinary people in ordinary homes.
Planning ahead doesn’t take the heart out of hospitality.
It actually creates space for your heart to shine.
One Conversation That Convicted Me
During our podcast, Dianne walked through seven practical ways to prepare for guests. As she talked about making meals ahead of time, setting the table a day early, and even freezing desserts, I found myself smiling.
I finally interrupted her and confessed.
“Dianne,” I said, “I have a challenge with this! I just never seem to make that happen.”
She laughed because she knows me well.
Then she gently reminded me that preparation lowers stress. When we’re rushing at the last minute, we often become distracted, frustrated, and even grumbly.
That one sentence stayed with me.
Planning isn’t about perfection.
Planning is about protecting your joy.
My Husband Taught Me an Important Lesson
One story from our conversation still makes me smile.
Years ago, we were preparing for guests. I was exhausted, frustrated, and honestly feeling a little like Martha.
I was convinced I was doing everything myself.
My husband, Preston, looked at me and said something I’ll never forget.
“I know you’re frustrated, but I can’t read your mind. If you need help, you have to tell me.”
Ladies…that was both convicting and freeing.
Many of us secretly expect our husbands to notice everything we notice.
They don’t.
They often want to help—they don’t know what we need.
Once I learned to communicate rather than silently expect mind-reading, preparing for company became much more enjoyable.
Sometimes Preston would sweep the porch before guests arrived.
Sometimes he’d vacuum.
Sometimes he’d simply ask, “What do you need me to do?”
Those little acts of teamwork reminded me that hospitality is often a family ministry.
Keep Some “Company Meals” Ready
One of my favorite practical moments came when Dianne shared one of her freezer meals—a pesto chicken dish she prepares ahead of time so it’s ready whenever guests arrive.
I laughed and admitted that my emergency meal is much simpler.
Give me a pound of hamburger meat, a can of vegetables, a few potatoes, canned tomatoes, and a pan of cornbread, and dinner is ready.
Is it fancy?
Not at all.
Is it warm, filling, and welcoming?
Absolutely.
People usually remember how you made them feel far more than they remember what you served.
Your Home Doesn’t Have to Be Perfect
One of my favorite reminders from Dianne was this:
People aren’t looking for a perfect home.
They’re looking for a welcoming one.
Dust what needs dusting.
Clean the guest bathroom.
Vacuum the main room.
Then stop.
Your guests came to see you—not your baseboards.
Perfection is an endless road.
Love has a front door that simply says, “Come in.”
The Real Purpose of Hospitality
As our conversation came to a close, I found myself reflecting on what biblical hospitality is really about.
Our purpose isn’t to impress people.
It’s to bless people.
Every meal becomes an opportunity to demonstrate the love of Christ.
Every conversation becomes an opportunity to encourage a weary believer.
Every invitation whispers to someone, “You matter.”
As ministry wives, we often have church members around our tables. But don’t forget your neighbors, your coworkers, the young couple that’s new to church, or the widow who hasn’t shared a meal with anyone in weeks.
Hospitality isn’t primarily about entertaining.
It’s about representing Jesus.
We are His hands.
We are His feet.
We are His welcome to a world longing to belong.
A Challenge for This Week
Before another month slips by, choose one date.
Put it on your calendar.
Invite someone over.
Don’t wait until everything is perfect.
Plan ahead.
Keep it simple.
Ask your family to help.
Serve what you have.
Most importantly, open your heart.
Because when Christ is the center of your home, people leave remembering His love—not whether your table decorations matched your napkins.
Friend, your home may become one of God’s favorite places to minister to someone who desperately needs hope.
And that’s hospitality worth planning for.
You can listen to this week’s Coffee Chats with Diane Nix wherever you enjoy podcasts, or visit Contagious Joy 4 Him to access the episode, show notes, and your free printable planning guide.
Planning ahead at the moment, while I pray for each of you,
Joyfully serving, Diane Nix
