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

In THE SIMPLEST WAY TO CHANGE THE WORLD, Dustin and Brandon argue that hospitality is "the secret weapon for gospel advancement."  The authors exhort Christians to consider hospitality as a great way to spread the Gospel. If we do, "There’s no telling what could happen."

It's very tough to make hospitality a habit. Our culture does not promote hospitality.  In fact, "almost everything in our culture is set up to hinder us from pursuing it." In addition, most of us are so busy, it seems like we don't have room for welcoming others. Social media is another big barrier--it promotes an illusion of being connected "without really being connected in the truest sense."

Therefore, hospitality will only happen via "an intentional shift in your life and mentality." Newsflash: "our neighbors don’t live in your house. So if you never leave your humble abode, you’ll never meet any of your neighbors."

Just by opening your home, you "welcome prodigal sons and daughters back into His family. You are turning your home into a wartime hospital where the spiritually hurting can get the hope and care they need."

Section 2 of the book focuses on practical ways to implement hospitality. See especially, Chapter 7 "Setting Yourself Up For Success." The authors suggest you "Create A System" and "Start With Who You Know ."  To get started, try inviting folks you know, or your closest neighbors to a simple dinner. What about church?  Are there people there looking for friends?

Here's one great idea--the authors call it the "Always Rule."  If you see a neighbor you don't know, "pause whatever you’re doing and meet them."   I thought this was an excellent idea. I love the "Always Rule."

Each chapter concludes with practical "Questions To Consider."  For example, "How do you view your home?"  and"Are you more prone to see it as a place of retreat or as a weapon for the gospel?"

All in all, I found THE SIMPLEST WAY TO CHANGE THE WORLD to be a useful, practical book. It's an easy read, with good ideas. The authors present an inspiring vision. I thought this one sentence summed up this book:

"Imagine if your church embraced the call to model God’s hospitality, both within the church and to those who don’t yet know Jesus."

Nicely stated.

For a similar book with a slightly different twist, I recommend Just Walk Across the Room by Bill Hybels.

Advance Review Copy courtesy of the publisher. Photos courtesy of Pexels.