This week we are talking about Chapter 7 of the book Practicing Hospitality as part of a book study with Passionate Homemaking. You can read Lindsay’s post about this chapter here.
This chapter focused on hospitality and culture. It was very practical by giving tips to remember when hosting or visiting with people from other cultures. There were several things that the authors mentioned that I had really never thought about before.
The authors thoroughly talked about four specific areas to consider when hosting cross-culturally:
1. Time Orientation
In this area, the authors discussed how most other countries do not think of time as we do. We wear watches and have clocks everywhere. Here, it is important to be on time and not overstay your welcome. However, other countries look at time very differently and we need to be flexible and understand the differences.
2. Task/Goal Focus
In America, we sometimes place an importance on the process instead of on the people. We need to focus more on the people than on the things that need done, like cleaning the kitchen after a meal. The authors say that a good way to focus more the people is to never leave a guest alone so that you can complete a task. Another tip that the authors give is to worry more about the conversations than the food.
3. Etiquette
There are three major differences in etiquette when entertaining from other countries or cultures: gift-giving, table etiquette, and conversation. Gift-giving is very important is most cultures. However, we need to be sure to think about the size of gifts, the color of gifts, and the timing for opening the gifts. Strict table etiquette can make a cross-cultural guest feel uncomfortable and maybe even embarrassed. Make sure to keep the table arrangement simple, “building a relationship is the first priority, not teaching etiquette” (Pg. 206). You should lead the conversations, however remember to speak carefully and be patient, especially if your guest is somewhat new to the English language.
4. Food
There is almost always going to be a difference in food when practicing hospitality cross-culturally. Prepackaged and frozen foods are normal here, and they are not found very frequently in other cultures. Keep the menu simple and try to use fresh foods as much as possible. Keep in mind where your guest is from and if their culture has dietary restrictions, if you don’t know, don’t be afraid to ask.
I haven’t hosted very much, or really at all, cross-culturally. Mostly, because I haven’t really had the chance to. However, this chapter has made me realize that this is something that everyone can do with a little extra work. I am going to try to keep my eyes open for opportunities to be hospitable to people from all cultures.
One ministry that the book talks about is International Students Incorporated. I looked into this and they have a need for volunteers to be friends with the international students that are here studying in America. I am going to look into this ministry more because we have several large campuses nearby and the idea is that the students are coming from countries where it is not easy to share the gospel. But, now they are here and we need to be telling them about Jesus!
Here are some discussion questions that Lindsay gives us:
1. What ideas can you share for being sensitive in communicating with people from different cultures?
2. How can you be more purposeful in including strangers/foreigners in your hospitality practices?
Like I said above, I really haven’t thought about this too much and done it at all. But, after reading this chapter I feel the urge to do more! I am currently looking for a short term missions trip to do this summer, while searching several missions sites I found one that I loved! It was teaching English as a second language in China. However, I didn’t qualify because I don’t have a bachelor’s degree. But, today I realized that I don’t have to go to China to teach people English and share the gospel! Through International Students Incorporated I can do that here!
At the end of this 8 week book study I will be giving away a copy of this book, courtesy of Crossway Books! Each time you comment on a post about this book you will be entered to win! The winner will be announced on April 9th (This date has been updated).
It’s nice to remember that there can be huge culture differences. My husband and I will soon be sharing our house with a refugee Iranian couple for several months to a year! I’m a little nervous about the transition, especially culturally, but I know it’ll be a great time of learning for all of us. Thanks for the reminder to be sensitive to our guests!
I love the idea of a focus on hospitality…it is a dying art.
We are currently preparing to be missionaries. We try to have internationals over to our home. Most are interested in finding out more of our culture. So I often try to have a meal that was special or native to where we grew up. It helps them learn a little more about us and people seem to enjoy us.
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