Two teens were interviewed about reading The Gospel Comes with a House Key together.

What made you choose to read this book?

MICHELLE: I had heard a lot about Rosaria Butterfield’s books and how much impact they had on many of my friends’ lives. I was also curious to see how she would connect hospitality to the gospel in her book.

Had you read either of Rosaria’s other books before?

CLARA: I have recently read both of her other books.

MICHELLE: I have started The Secret Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert but I have not finished it.

What made you want to experience reading a book together?

MICHELLE: I had heard from others that they were doing a book study, and it seemed like a good way to start reading theological books and to keep in touch with friends.

CLARA: Michelle had asked me to join her in studying books. I really like the idea of going through a book slowly and steadily and the opportunity to keep in touch on a weekly basis.

What did you learn from the book?

MICHELLE: Before I read the book, I didn’t understand what hospitality had to do with the gospel. Rosaria used personal and biblical examples to emphasize a Christian’s call to hospitality.

CLARA: This book has framed my mindset in interactions because of how Rosaria showed that any interaction with your neighbor can be meaningful, even if you don’t think it will have any impact. I’m looking forward to using this even more as I transition to college.

What did you learn discussing the book with someone your age?

MICHELLE: It was interesting to see some of the different points that had an impact on both of us; however, because we’re the same age, we were able to relate to each other and share experiences and struggles with certain topics.

CLARA: I definitely noticed particular points of the book because I was discussing them. Also, it convicted me how Michelle was trying to apply these things, and it made me want to be more active in hospitality.

Are you going to continue reading books in this manner?

CLARA: Yes! We are planning to continue, despite transitions in both of our lives. I look forward to staying in touch and continuing to grow.

MICHELLE: Yes, this book study is a way to consistently read and study various books. Also, it’s a great way to stay in touch with friends.

What’s your next book?

The Whole Christ by Sinclair Ferguson.

What encouragement do you give to someone from The Gospel Comes with a House Key?

CLARA: Reaching outside your comfort zone to someone else is never fruitless, even if you think it won’t have an impact. Keep loving others as image-bearers of God. This is something we are called to do, and one practical way is hospitality.

How do you go about the process of studying the book?

CLARA: Bring up the idea to a friend!

MICHELLE: Most of the time it isn’t difficult to find someone close who would be interested in starting a book study, but you just need to be willing to strive to be consistent and give up some of your time. Once you start a book study, it’s surprisingly easy to keep it up, and it can be a very insightful and helpful way to study a book.

CLARA: We read one chapter a week and exchanged notes on what we found helpful, striking, and applicable each Sunday. It is a great way to spend our Sunday afternoons.

Michelle Kim is a high school senior. She lives near Detroit, Mich., and is a member of the Southfield, Mich., RPC. Her parents are John and Laura Kim, and she is the youngest of four children. Clara Mauser is a high school senior. She lives in Indianapolis, Ind., and is a member of Second (Indianapolis, Ind.) RPC. She is the daughter of Dave and Julie Mauser and has three younger siblings.