Hospitality in the Digital Age: Welcoming Others Online
- Dr. Layne McDonald
- 1 day ago
- 5 min read
Have you ever received a message from someone at just the right moment? Maybe it was a simple text that said, "Hey, I was thinking about you today." That small gesture probably meant more than the sender ever realized. In our hyper-connected world, we have incredible opportunities to extend God's welcome to others, not just in person, but through every screen, every message, and every virtual gathering.
Welcome home, friend. You're never forgotten, never alone, and deeply loved by God. And here at Boundless Online Church, Pastor Dr. Layne McDonald, our Online Pastor and Leader, reminds us that hospitality isn't confined to our living rooms or church lobbies. It extends wherever we are, including online.
Let's explore what it means to practice biblical hospitality in this digital age and discover practical ways to make everyone feel seen, valued, and welcomed.
A Micro Bible Study: Hebrews 13:2
"Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it." , Hebrews 13:2 (NIV)
This beautiful verse reminds us that every encounter matters. The Greek word for hospitality here is philoxenia, which literally means "love of strangers." It's not just about being nice to people we already know, it's about extending warmth to those we haven't met yet.
Think about that for a moment. When you comment on someone's post with genuine encouragement, when you welcome a newcomer into an online group, when you send a prayer to someone you've never met face-to-face, you might be entertaining angels. You're certainly reflecting God's heart.
Reflection Questions:
Who is a "stranger" in your digital world that could use a word of welcome today?
How can you practice philoxenia in your online interactions this week?
What barriers (fear, busyness, awkwardness) keep you from reaching out to new people online?
Pastor Dr. Layne McDonald often says that the church has no walls, and that's especially true at Boundless Online Church. Whether someone is homebound, living overseas, or simply searching for a faith community that feels like family, we get to be the hands and feet of Jesus in digital spaces.
What Digital Hospitality Looks Like Today
In 2026, hospitality has evolved far beyond simply opening our front doors. The way we welcome people online matters more than ever. Research shows that personalized, intentional digital engagement creates genuine connection, and that's exactly what our faith calls us to.
Here are 5 Ways to Practice Digital Hospitality:
These small acts of digital kindness create ripple effects we can't always see. Someone might be on the other side of a screen, feeling invisible, and your welcome could change everything.
Your Life Hack for Today: The "Thinking of You" Text
Here's a simple challenge that can transform your day and someone else's:
Send one "thinking of you" text today, and include a specific prayer for that person.
Not a generic "hope you're doing well." Get specific. Maybe it's:
That's it. One text. One specific prayer. Watch how it opens doors for deeper connection and blesses both the sender and the receiver.
Pastor Dr. Layne McDonald encourages our Boundless community to make this a daily habit. Imagine if every member sent just one intentional message each day: thousands of people would feel less alone!
Movie Review: "Paddington" : The Beauty of Welcoming the Stranger
If you haven't watched Paddington (2014), add it to your list immediately. This heartwarming film tells the story of a small Peruvian bear who arrives in London looking for a home. He's a stranger in every sense: different, unfamiliar, and desperately in need of belonging.
The Brown family takes a risk. They open their home to this unexpected guest, and what unfolds is a beautiful picture of what happens when we choose welcome over fear.
What makes this movie so resonant with our faith?
Hospitality requires courage. Mrs. Brown sees a stranger in need and chooses compassion despite uncertainty. That's philoxenia in action.
Everyone has something to offer. Paddington brings joy, adventure, and a fresh perspective to a family that had grown a bit too comfortable. The people we welcome often bless us in unexpected ways.
Home is created through love. The Browns don't just give Paddington a place to sleep: they give him a family. That's what we're called to do in our faith communities.
Rating: 🐻🐻🐻🐻🐻 (5 out of 5 marmalade sandwiches!)
Whether you're watching with kids, grandkids, or just enjoying it solo, Paddington is a gentle reminder that the strangers we welcome might just become our greatest blessings.
Family & Friend Time: Host a Virtual Game Night or "Digital Potluck"
Looking for a fun way to connect with loved ones across distances? Try hosting a Virtual Game Night or a Digital Potluck!
For a Virtual Game Night:
Use video chat (Zoom, FaceTime, Google Meet) to gather your crew
Play online games together like Jackbox, Kahoot, or classic trivia
Keep it simple: even "20 Questions" or charades work great over video!
For a Digital Potluck:
Everyone prepares the same recipe at home
Hop on a video call and eat "together"
Share stories, laughs, and prayer requests while you enjoy the meal
These gatherings aren't just fun: they're an act of hospitality. You're saying, "I want to be with you, even when miles separate us."
At Boundless Online Church, we host virtual gatherings regularly because we believe community shouldn't be limited by geography. Join one of our groups and experience it for yourself!
Your Life-Changing Affirmation
Speak this over yourself today:
"I am an ambassador of God's welcome to everyone I meet online."
You carry the presence of Jesus into every comment, every message, every virtual meeting. You have the power to make someone feel seen, valued, and loved: simply by showing up with intention.
Your Invitation Home
Friend, digital hospitality isn't about perfection. It's about presence. It's about choosing to see people: really see them: and extending the same grace God has lavished on us.
Pastor Dr. Layne McDonald and the entire Boundless Online Church family are here for you. Whether you're looking for community, seeking answers, or just need to know someone cares: you belong here. Membership is always free, always opt-in, and you'll never be asked for money or receive spam.
Ready to take the next step?
Join our groups and connect with believers around the world
Visit www.boundlessonlinechurch.org to explore everything Boundless has to offer
Use our ZIP/country search to find a physical church near you with VIP handoff support
You're never forgotten. You're never alone. You're deeply loved by God: and by us.
AI 24/7 Assistant: 1-901-668-5380 Boundless Phone: 1-901-213-7341 FA Memphis: 1-901-843-8600 lmcdonald@famemphis.net - www.boundlessonlinechurch.org
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