April 2010 - Open Heart Open Home by Karen Mains

Discussion Questions:

1. General impressions. Did you like the book? Why or why not?
2. What does hospitality mean to you?
3. Do you host or entertain? What's the difference?
4. Karen Mains does not provide a "how-to" on hospitality, but a "why-to." Why does she say we need to be hospitable? Which of her reasons do you agree with? Which of her reasons do you disagree with?
5. What do you think of Karen Main's theology? Does it matter to the central thesis of her book whether you agree with her theology 100%? Why or why not?
6. Many readers of this book use the adjective "challenging" to describe Open Heart Open Home. Did this book challenge you in any way? How?
7. Mains says that Christian homes should be places of shelter and healing. What does this mean practically?
8. To be a good hostess, you need to be a good steward of your money and your time. What does this mean practically?
9. Think about some of the best hosts/hostesses you know. What do they do that makes you feel so welcome in their homes?
10. Ever had a hostessing disaster? Feel brave enough to share it with the group? Why do you think it went wrong and what could you have done differently?
11. Mains claims that hospitable Christians could transform their society. Do you think this is true or is this naive thinking?
12. Is there anything in your home that you plan on changing based on your reading of this book? What? Why?

Menu: "Doing it with Flair"

Karen tells us that hospitalility is about the willingness to share - so let's have an open potluck. If you like, bring something to share (appetizer/dessert). Don't be afraid the make it with some flair. If you've have a busy day/week - just come. It's all about fellowship!

Coffee/Tea, etc - Chandra

Meeting Details:

We're meeting at Chandra's house on April 22nd at 7:30, with discussion to begin promptly at 8:00 pm.