The Steward of Hospitality
In the Hazak Fellowship Group (HFG), the Host is the steward of hospitality, responsible for creating a welcoming and comfortable environment for meetings. This role is a ministry of service, ensuring that the fellowship’s gatherings are a place of warmth, safety, and nourishment—both physically and spiritually. Unlike the Group Leader’s spiritual guidance, the Host’s role is primarily practical and relational, yet it is foundational to the group’s success.
The Responsibilities of a Host
The Host’s duties are centered on the logistics and atmosphere of the meeting, directly supporting the “Fellowship” and “Breaking of Bread” pillars of the HFG.
1. Creating a Welcoming Space
The Host is responsible for providing a physical location for the HFG meetings. This means opening up their home or coordinating an online space that is accessible and comfortable for all members.
- Pros: This act of hospitality is a powerful expression of love and service. It provides the essential physical space for the group to gather, fostering a sense of family and belonging. By inviting others into their home, the Host builds a deep level of trust and vulnerability within the group.
- Cons: This requires a significant amount of preparation and effort, including cleaning and arranging the space. It can also feel like an invasion of privacy for some. The Host must be comfortable with the wear and tear that comes with regularly having a group of people in their home.
2. Organizing the Meal
The Host often plays a key role in coordinating the “Breaking of Bread” segment of the meeting. This may involve preparing the meal themselves or, more commonly, coordinating a potluck or assigning different members to bring specific dishes.
- Pros: The act of sharing a meal is central to the HFG model. The Host’s coordination ensures that this vital part of the meeting runs smoothly and that everyone’s needs are considered. It directly contributes to the sense of community and shared life.
- Cons: This can be a significant time commitment and a source of stress. Coordinating a meal for a large group can be challenging, especially when managing different dietary needs or preferences.
3. Facilitating Fellowship
While the Group Leader manages the spiritual flow of the meeting, the Host often sets the tone for the social aspects. They are the first to greet guests, introduce new members, and ensure that everyone feels included during the informal parts of the gathering.
- Pros: This hospitality makes the HFG an inviting and accessible place for new people. It ensures that the group is not cliquish and that the bonds of fellowship are strengthened through personal interaction. It directly reflects the spirit of the early church described in Acts 2:46 (NLT), where believers “shared their meals with great joy and generosity.”
- Cons: It can be emotionally and socially taxing, especially for introverted individuals. The Host may feel responsible for the social success of the meeting, which can be a heavy burden.
The Pros and Cons of Being a Host
The role of an HFG Host is a ministry of hospitality that is vital to the health of the fellowship.
Pros:
- Essential Service: The Host’s role is indispensable. Without a place to meet, the HFG cannot exist. This makes their service a foundational and deeply appreciated contribution.
- Deepening Relationships: By opening their home and coordinating the social aspects of the meeting, the Host forms strong, personal bonds with every member.
- Modeling Generosity: The Host’s willingness to give of their home, time, and resources is a powerful example of the radical generosity that the Hazak model espouses.
Cons:
- High Effort and Cost: The role requires significant time, energy, and potentially financial resources. Managing the logistics of a meeting can be stressful.
- Lack of Recognition: Since the role is more practical than spiritual, it may not receive the same level of recognition as the Group Leader’s role, despite its critical importance.
- Burnout: Constantly opening one’s home and preparing for guests can lead to burnout if the responsibilities are not shared or if the Host does not have sufficient support from the group.
In conclusion, the HFG Host is a vital servant-leader who makes the Hazak Fellowship a true home for its members. Their ministry of hospitality is a tangible expression of love and provides the safe and welcoming environment where spiritual growth and deep fellowship can flourish.