DEEP DIVE

Practicing Membership: A Holy Kiss?

Romans 16:1-16 | September 13, 2026

Scripture Focus

Read

Romans 16:1-16. Notice how often Paul names people, describes their service, and connects them to life “in Christ” and “in the Lord.” His greetings show that Christian belonging is personal, diverse, and expressed with genuine affection.

Opening Reflection

A list of names can look like a minor detail, but Paul’s greetings reveal a theology of welcome. People are personally known, their faithfulness is honored, and differences of culture, status, gender, and experience do not erase their unity in Christ. Ken’s message invites us to become greater greeters—to learn names, notice guests, welcome those returning after failure, and express love in ways people can actually receive.

Discussion Questions

1. What detail or name in Romans 16:1-16 stands out to you, and why?
2. Why might Paul devote so much space in Scripture to personal greetings?
3. What do Paul’s descriptions—such as “my dear friend,” “co-worker,” and “a mother to me”—communicate about the people he names?
4. Ken says that greeting communicates regard, welcoming communicates worth, and kissing communicates kinship. Which of these is most needed in churches today?
5. When have you felt personally noticed and welcomed in a church? What made the greeting meaningful?
6. How can a church be friendly to familiar people but still feel unfriendly to a guest?
7. What barriers keep us from learning names or approaching someone we do not know?
8. Romans 16 includes people with different backgrounds, social positions, and histories. How does being “in Christ” reshape the way we view those differences?
9. How can we welcome a brother or sister returning after failure without minimizing sin or withholding grace?
10. What are appropriate, tangible ways to express Christian affection and honor while respecting personal and cultural boundaries?
11. Ken says, “Greeting one another is worship.” How might that change the way you enter the gathering next Sunday?
12. Who is one person you can learn by name, encourage, or intentionally welcome this week?

Digging Deeper

ROMANS 12:9-13 Notice how sincere love, honor, hospitality, and care belong together.

1 PETER 5:14 Compare Peter’s “kiss of love” with Paul’s command in Romans 16.

JOHN 13:34-35 Reflect on how visible love identifies Jesus’ disciples.

JAMES 2:1-4 Consider how favoritism undermines a genuinely welcoming church.

HEBREWS 13:1-2 Explore the connection between family love and hospitality to strangers.

1 CORINTHIANS 12:12-27 Remember that different members belong to one body and need one another.

Weekly Challenge Practice Welcome

• Pray before gathering. Ask God to help you see people as he sees them and notice someone who may feel unseen.
• Learn one name. Introduce yourself to someone you do not know, repeat their name, and remember one detail they share.
• Cross one familiar boundary. Greet someone of a different age, background, social circle, or life experience.
• Express honor specifically. Tell someone how their faithfulness, service, or presence strengthens the church family.
• Follow up during the week. Send a short message, make a call, or continue the conversation so Sunday’s welcome becomes lasting care.

Prayer Focus

Father, thank you for receiving us in Christ and making us members of one family. Give us eyes to notice every person, humility to cross our familiar circles, and courage to offer sincere welcome. Teach us to honor one another, show grace to those who return, and express love in ways that are wise, respectful, and tangible. Let no Christian remain a stranger among us. Make our greetings part of our worship and our life together a faithful witness to Jesus. Amen.