9 Must-Read Christian Hospitality Books

Raise your hand if you know you could (and should) improve your hospitality game.

Oh, I see all those hands out there! Do you see mine? Because it’s raised even higher than yours.

We all long for community. To know our neighbors, build deep friendships, and meaningful relationships. However, sometimes we aren’t sure how to get from here to there. Where do I begin?

I’ve devoted quite a bit of time in recent months to the topic of hospitality. If you’ve missed those posts, I’ll link them at the bottom. Today, I’d like to introduce you to a few good books–my favorites on the topic of Hospitality. Some of these Christian Hospitality books focus more on the “why” of Christian Hospitality. Others focus on the “how”. And some remind us to show hospitality to our nearest and dearest: those in our family.

Many of these books contain guides for group study, and all would be excellent book club selections.

Let’s prepare to be inspired to action!

9 Must-Read Christian Hospitality Books

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The Turquoise Table by Kristin Schell

When the author had the delivery guys plop her picnic table in her front yard, she started a quiet revolution. This book is full of simple hospitality ideas, recipes, “Turquoise Table Stories”, recipes, and lovely photos. The moment you receive this book, you’ll want to brew a pot of tea, snuggle into a cozy blanket, and spend an afternoon escaping into the beauty of the story. It’s full of journaling prompts and activities to spur contemplation, so you’ll want a lovely journal on hand!

Simple Gatherings by Melissa Michaels

Yet another book full of enchanting photographs! This volume has fifty great ideas for simple gatherings specifically geared to inspire connection. Tips to spur conversation, ideas for activities, helps to create a relaxing atmosphere are all featured in this excellent book. You have to love an invitation to hospitality written by an introvert who doesn’t like to cook! This is as real as it gets. I love the practical suggestion to plan ahead so you can be spontaneous later. Sounds like a great life tip to me!

Bread and Wine by Shauna Niequist

I knew I would love this book when I saw the subtitle: A Love Letter to Life Around the Table with Recipes. Basically, a Christian Hospitality book that’s mostly memoir with recipes thrown in. Shauna…I call her by her first name like we’re actual friends, because her writing style makes me feel like we are friends. Anyhow, Shauna talks about the role of the table in building relationships with spouse, children, family, friends.

This is a beautiful, wonderful book. I highly recommend it as a Book Club selection if you have hospitality-minded friends, or for solo enjoyment.

The Life Giving Table by Sally Clarkson

In this lovely book, Sally Clarkson shares her vision for the Table as a place to nurture faith and build community. She emphasizes the idea of the Table being a place of grace, warmth, and welcome for our guests and–yes–even rambunctious children.

This is the best book I’ve read in ages about creating a warm, welcoming home. First, I borrowed it from the library. Then, I loved it so much I had to purchase.

The book is full of Scripture, encouraging quotes, ideas for building strong ties, and yummy recipes. A top contender for private or Book Club reading!

Open Heart, Open Home by Karen Mains

This book by Karen Mains was the first Christian Hospitality book I ever read, and I’m excited to see it’s still in print. Going far beyond just entertaining tips, the author embraces the purpose and heart of hospitality: using our homes to care for others. I love the emphasis on Scripture throughout the book, and the response questions at the end of each chapter. Still just as relevant as when first written!

Christian Hospitality Books with Group Study Guides

Each of the following books is especially well-suited for small group study. Three contain a study guide in the back, and one has a separate study guide available.

The Art of Neighboring by Jay Pathak & Dave Runyon

With the tagline “Building Genuine Relationships Right Outside Your Door”, it’s obvious that these authors are going to encourage us to make friends beyond our church circles. This book is the result of a Denver faith-based initiative to encourage good neighboring.

It begins with a haunting 9-square exercise that will likely unsettle you, then encourages you to fully embrace good-neighboring. I especially like the chapter that tackles common neighbor problems such as barking dogs, and encourages us to use Biblical principles as we problem-solve.

Be prepared for conviction, my friends. Or maybe it’s just me. But I discovered a glaring blind spot in my life.

*Study Guide included in back of book.

The Simplest Way to Change the World by Dustin Willis & Brandon Clements

Make a difference by opening your front door. The authors strip through all the hoopla and present a case for hospitality in its simplest forms. This is a call to build relationships, love your community, and share the Gospel of Christ in your home. The book shares the whys and hows of living the hospitality life, and gives simple tips for getting to know your neighbors and ministering to them.

*Contains 6 week small group study guide in back of book.

Life in Community by Dustin Willis

No more superficial relationships. Dustin Willis encourages us to get real with one another, to truly commit to deep relationships. Real community involves grieving together, singing, praying, eating, and playing. It involves loving, serving, honoring, encouraging, and living on mission together.

This Christian hospitality book brings a different slant to the table, a call to authenticity. Real community, true fellowship. Messy? Definitely. Worth it? Absolutely.

*Six week small group study guide included.

Just Open the Door by Jen Schmidt

What if we were to reframe hospitality? Instead of thinking of perfectly cleaned houses and Pinterest-worthy place settings, what if we simply invited people to “do life” with us?

What if instead of trying to impress people, we opened our hearts and ministered to them?

Jen Schmidt encourages women to “just open their door” and invite people in. Her book is bursting with poignant stories, personal insights, simple ideas, and a heart for others.

Perfect for a ladies Bible study, there is a separate Bible Study Guide available for purchase.