Being a Host
Families should understand that the Fellow's schedule will be this.
What is very busy?
Special groceries purchased specifically for the Fellow are this.
What is optional/a choice of the host family?
A Fellow is NOT this, even though families are welcome to invite them to their children's activities.
What is a built-in babysitter?
This is something the Fellow has that means you don't have to drive them everywhere.
What is their own transportation?
The goal isn't to find a Fellow with no annoying habits. It's to practice this as you learn to live together.
What are patience, grace, and communication?
Name two of the four characteristics that make a family a potential good host family.
What are being Christ-centered, active in the life of 4th Church, a role model for Christian marriage, and/or living out your faith before a young adult?
Your Fellow talks…a lot. Your first instinct may be to do this, but relationship-building suggests you try listening instead.
What is hide in the pantry? 😆
A Fellow needs a dedicated one of these, but does not need a dedicated bathroom.
What is a bedroom?
Despite living in your home, the Fellow is not this — so don't start handing them a list of 47 chores on Day 1.
your butler or maid
Your Fellow's definition of “clean” is dramatically different from yours. Before declaring a household emergency, do this.
What is clarify expectations?
The goal is to expose Fellows to this kind of household.
What is a Christ-centered household willing to share its joys, failures, and experiences amid daily challenges?
Hosts should NOT think of the Fellow as this type of arrangement.
What is a boarder situation?
Host families cook this meal for their Fellow once a week, with the family eating together.
What is dinner?
Your Fellow may be an adult, but they might still appreciate this household reminder when they forget to do their household contribution.
What is a friendly reminder?
Rather than simply treating the Fellow as a boarder, families are encouraged to identify one way the Fellow can do this each week—in less than an hour.
What is bless or contribute to the household?
The family should carve out intentional time for this.
What is getting to know the Fellow?
Instead of treating the Fellow as a guest, families should view them as this
What is a participating member of the household?
For meals other than the weekly dinner, the host family provides this so the Fellow can prepare their own meals.
What is food/groceries?
If the Fellow eats the last of this without telling anyone, it could become a surprisingly important family conversation.
What is the last cookie/snack/coveted leftovers?
This guide is completed by the host family and reviewed with the Fellow during the first week to help establish a good working relationship.
What is the Expectations Guide?
Hosting can be described as a picture of this type of discipleship.
What is whole-life discipleship?
When hosting becomes difficult, it can provide this opportunity for the family.
What is an opportunity to grow spiritually?
Opening the home can benefit children by showing them that their parents are choosing to share these three things.
What are space, time, and resources?
If your Fellow's habit is annoying you, this is usually better than silently keeping a running list of grievances in your head.
What is having a conversation?
Name three things Fellows do as part of the program that mean they won't be home during much of the week.
What are working Monday–Wednesday, taking classes and volunteering Thursday–Friday, and attending retreats or traveling home for holidays?