“It is easy for a group of people to say they are a welcoming bunch. How many church signs and emails have we seen that say something like “All are welcome!” or “Everyone invited!”? Many churches are as faithful as they can be, and many have come to know Christ through the hospitality of churches. Still, Jesus reminds us that a true welcoming heart requires all walls to break down, all expectations to lift, and we humble ourselves for all others to feel included.”

Rev. Bryant Manning preaches on Luke 14:1-14 at the contemporary SUN Service at Trinity United Methodist Church in Tallahassee, FL on August 28, 2022.