A Newsie about Presence and How I Got Here...

Hey Beloved,

Welcome to the inaugural edition of the Ministry of Welcome!

As I write this, I’m on Delta’s longest flight—Johannesburg to Atlanta—reflecting on a transformative journey that led to the birth of this newsletter. My recent 10+ day trip to Eswatini, Africa, was a profound experience, particularly through our work with Project Canaan, Heart for Africa’s ambitious endeavor to address Hunger, Orphans, Poverty, and Education in this tiny landlocked kingdom.

While serving and engaging with the local community, I was struck by a moment of deep realization. We were welcomed into a church on the side of a mountain, where we fed over 200 people. As I stood there, I pondered whether we were the receivers or givers of hospitality…because it sure as heck felt like I was being welcomed more than doing anything else.

This trip was just another showcase that hospitality is much more than tasks, and soup, and beds, and entertainment.

It is a mystery of hope and grace, presence and welcome.

It reaches far beyond what we traditionally associate with it, touching every aspect of our lives—from businesses and schools to our homes and communities, and even the deepest corners of our hearts.

Hospitality is a transformative force that can redefine how we approach businesses and organizations, neighborhoods, and communities.

It’s about fostering a culture where every interaction is infused with intentionality, where the essence of welcome and connection precedes our actions.

And while on a wildly long plane ride back home, I journaled about some of these revelations which led to this idea AND is now the title of this lil newsie. The “Ministry of Welcome” is a vision where hospitality becomes a core posture in every facet of our lives and work, transcending beyond mere service to cultivate genuine belonging and impactful connections.

A 10-year Collision Toward Hospitality

My story begins not in the here and now but in the winding path that led us here. My professional journey has been a mosaic of experiences, each shaping my understanding of hospitality in unique ways.

In 2009, fresh out of college, I embarked on my first job driving truck parts—a role far removed from the glamorous world of hospitality. Yet, it was during those early days that I began to contemplate the essence of service and connection.

By 2011, I had pursued a master’s in Sports Hospitality and dove headfirst into managing VIP experiences at some of the world’s largest track and field events. Hosting influential figures and shaping their experiences ignited a passion for creating unforgettable moments. I saw firsthand how attention to detail and genuine care could elevate an ordinary event into something extraordinary.

In 2014, I pivoted to the world of consumer packaged goods and e-commerce when I helped launch a functional gum brand called Run Gum. This experience taught me how hospitality can extend beyond traditional settings and completely different spheres of business. It was about engaging customers in a meaningful way and leading and welcoming your team with purpose, a concept that continued to resonate with me.

Fast forward to 2020—a pivotal year marked by burnout and stress. Seeking respite, I attended a fly fishing retreat in Montana. It was here that I discovered the restorative power of hospitality and rest. It taught me the beauty in creating purposeful spaces where people can truly feel at ease, rejuvenating our minds, our bodies, and our spirits.

Then in 2022, I made a deliberate shift to explore hospitality more deeply. It started with reading any book on the practice and posture of hospitality (My fav hospitality books coming next week) and ended with me leaving behind my role at Run Gum.

Through another wild collision, I had the opportunity to join the amazing team at Bolt Farm Treehouse—one of the premier luxury glamping brands. It was here that I fully immersed myself in understanding the industry of hospitality. I got a front-row seat to the magic that can happen when you are radical with how you care about others.

Embracing the Ministry of Welcome

As I reflect on these experiences, I am drawn to a vision of hospitality that goes beyond mere service. It’s about fostering a “ministry of welcome,” a concept that permeates every aspect of our lives and work. It is the art of making people feel valued, seen, and heard before they even arrive.

This belief in hospitality as a posture—rather than just a practice—has transformed my approach to leadership and community building.

It is about presence over entertainment.

It’s about embedding a spirit of attentiveness and intention in every interaction, ensuring that others feel considered even before they step through the door.

So why does this matter to you?

Regardless of what industry you fall into, I believe a lens of hospitality can make a profound impact on the work you do.

For Business Founders and Leaders: Hospitality goes beyond mere service; it’s about fostering a culture where every team member feels genuinely valued and motivated. Leading with empathy cultivates an environment where trust and respect naturally flourish. The subtle art of hospitality is what can elevate a good leader into a truly great one.

For Customer Service and Retention Professionals: A hospitality mindset transforms every customer interaction into an opportunity for genuine connection. By enhancing each touchpoint with empathy and authenticity, you can create memorable experiences that stand out. This approach not only boosts customer loyalty and satisfaction but, as my friend Eli Weiss often emphasizes, “it actually makes financial sense.”

For Non-Profit Leaders: In the non-profit sector, hospitality is essential for building meaningful connections and fostering a strong sense of community—whether that is with donors or those you are serving. When those you engage feel seen and valued, they’re more likely to engage deeply with your mission. It’s not just about the services you provide but about how you make people feel in every interaction.

For Ministry and Church Leaders: Hospitality is the gateway to understanding our own innate belovedness, which is the foundation to serving with impact. I believe bringing the heart and practice of hospitality into your ministry not only cultivates community and belonging but can fuel you to stay in the game.

What’s Ahead?

In upcoming editions, I’ll be sharing practical insights and actionable ideas that I am seeing and learning that weave a hospitality mindset into various facets of your life and work.

Expect to see:

• Strategies for Cultivating a Culture of Welcome: How to infuse hospitality into your team and organization, creating a more engaged and motivated workforce.

• Building Stronger Customer Relationships: Practical tips for applying a hospitality approach to enhance customer loyalty and satisfaction.

• Lessons from My Journey: Reflections on how my experiences have shaped my understanding of hospitality and how these lessons can apply to your own path.

This “collision” toward hospitality has been a long winding path. It is easy to look back and see how it NOW all makes sense, but in the middle of it all, it was messy. I expect this next one to be no different.

Well, that is enough about me for now… It means the world that you have read this first edition. I’m excited to explore how we can all integrate a deeper sense of hospitality into our lives and work, fostering connections that truly matter.

To get us started, in next week’s edition, I will be jumping into my favorite hospitality-themed books.

P.S. If you excited about this idea, please say hi + share it with a friend https://ministryofwelcome.com/subscribe