Missional Hospitality towards Healing: : A Narrative Approach in Missiology

Bokyoung Park

doi:10.54195/ef11875

Authors

Bokyoung Park Presbyterian University, Theological Seminary, International Association of Mission Studies, Alliance of Mission Researchers and Institutions

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54195/ef11875

Abstract

The entire world is suffering through the COVID-19 pandemic. In this age of anguish, churches must work on the ministry of hospitality that leads to healing as part of God’s mission. This article employs a narrative approach in articulating a missional hospitality. It draws on two stories of the writer’s personal experience to describe how pain was healed through an experience of hospitality. The sharing of personal stories demonstrates how experiences of hospitality can be converted into missional practice for others which becomes a locus of healing. As the conclusion, the study provides three implications. First, churches need to provide the space of hospitality for others experiencing pain and grief. Second, theology plays a role in providing a community-based collective interpretation of the pain. Third, the role of mission is to replicate the missional dimension of healing hospitality to the wounded.

Author Biography

Bokyoung Park, Presbyterian University, Theological Seminary, International Association of Mission Studies, Alliance of Mission Researchers and Institutions

Bokyoung Park has been teaching missiology at Presbyterian University and Theological Seminary since 2002. She currently serves as the Vice-President of IAMS (International Association of Mission Studies) and an active member of AMRI (Alliance of Mission Researchers and Institutions). She founded Korea IAMS Fellowship to mentor Korean young scholars to enhance their international scholarly activities.