Hospitality as a Paradigm for Mission
Date
12-19-2023
Department
Rawlings School of Divinity
Degree
Doctor of Ministry (DMin)
Chair
Russell S. Woodbridge
Keywords
Authentic Relationships, Biblical Hospitality, Missional Activity, Missional Hospitality, Muslim-focused, Outreach
Disciplines
Missions and World Christianity
Recommended Citation
Lynch, Anthony, "Hospitality as a Paradigm for Mission" (2023). Doctoral Dissertations and Projects. 5112.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/5112
Abstract
Biblical hospitality is rooted in God’s character and most gloriously displayed in the person and work of Christ. Christ’s work on the cross is the means through which outsiders are welcomed into God’s family (Gal 4:4-7). Moreover, God’s missional activity is often accomplished within the context of biblical hospitality. The traditional churches present in many Muslim majority contexts are not actively engaged in outreach or hospitality with their Muslim neighbors. This research project investigates the efficacy of strategic hospitality as a paradigm for mission among traditional Christians in Bangladesh. Specifically, this DMIN action research project aimed to mobilize a core group of New Birth House Church members toward Muslim-focused gospel ministry by adopting and implementing a posture of missional hospitality. Biblical hospitality’s welcoming and inclusive nature starkly contrasts the cultural expression of hospitality in Bengali society. Missional hospitality facilitates the formation of authentic relationships across social, cultural, and religious boundaries and serves as an effective vehicle for evangelism and a catalyst for discipleship. This research project is structured around a six- week hospitality workshop and a five-week practical implementation period. The researcher utilized questionnaires, focus groups, and field notes to collect data and analyze the project's efficacy.