Most of us have stayed in a hotel before. Maybe it was for a vacation, during a move, or while on a road trip. But that hotel was nothing more than a utility to us; it was just somewhere to stay. There are thousands of hotels in America and around the world that only serve a utility and product. You probably could not tell the difference, besides grandeur. They are almost purposeless hotels.
Jeremy Cowart asks the question, “what if hotels could be used to improve the world?” The Purpose Hotel is a for-profit company that fills its hotels with products from third-world countries that need jobs. Each product is intentional. Faster wifi goes to stopping human trafficking; each room supports a child’s education; the list goes on and on. The Purpose Hotel provides intentional hospitality to build up those in need. The dream is that these hotels will salt the Earth and remain long after we’re gone.
As Christians, we should seek to provide intentional hospitality and redemptive transformation. James asserts, “My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory” (2:1). We are to welcome all into our midst and love the broken, poor, lost, weird, pagan, rough, gross, and outcasts. And through this hospitality, we can share the joy of the Good News of Jesus Christ and transform the culture around us. Jesus lived with and loved the outcast, He died on a cross for our sins, and He rose from the dead to give us life and an eternal relationship with Him. Hallelujah!
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This is such a wonderful venture. How beautiful to see people using their skill set and resources to bring redemption and hospitality to the community and anyone who comes to visit. I hope they continue to be successful so that they can continue to make an impact to all the people they come in contact with and they serve.
What a creative business! Hospitality is a passion of mine and fills me with such hope to hear of a hotel taking a redemptive step in this realm of business. I will have to see where Purpose Hotels are located in the United States and try to use them as I travel.
This is a cool idea! Hotels are one of those things that you wouldn't really think there is an opportunity for a redemptive aspect, but this company has found a way to be redemptive in a creative and unique way. Very cool to see this type of business.
I love this business already! My family and I travel a lot and usually stay in hotels or resorts but we just think of it as a place to stay. I love the idea of have a purposeful hotel because the hotels can become redemptive and create intentional hospitality for people! I really hope that hotels do start doing this!