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From ‘Mission-Shaped’ to ‘Jesus-Shaped’ Church
Hospitality as a Missiological Agenda in the Church of England
Series: - Anglican-Episcopal Theology and History, Volume: 12
Author:
Hospitality is often invoked without question in Church of England discourse, but the importance of the practice to contemporary mission has not been subject to detailed analysis. This book provides otherwise elusive in-depth theological examination of the scope of Christian understandings of hospitality. From feasting in the Hebrew Scriptures, and foot-washing in the New Testament, to online Communion during the COVID-19 pandemic, hospitality is more than ‘welcome’, or the evangelistic hospitality of the Alpha Course or Messy Church. So this book encompasses racism, ageing, poverty, tragedy, storytelling, minds, bodies and belonging, as well as the implications of allying food to Christian formation. It shows that Christian hospitality has relevance not only to mission, but also to ecclesiology, eschatology, disability theology, and social and ecological justice.
Susan Beverley Cross has a Ph.D from York St John University. Currently an independent scholar, her research centres on the Church of England. Her research interests include liturgy; space, place, and heritage; silence; the senses; disability theology; and social justice.
"From 'Mission-Shaped' to 'Jesus-Shaped' Church offers a timely, insightful examination of hospitality as a core practice for the Church of England's mission and ministry. Drawing on biblical, theological, and contemporary sources, Susan Cross provides a compelling vision for how intentional hospitality can foster inclusion, address injustice, and bear authentic witness in a changing cultural landscape. Her nuanced analysis of initiatives like Fresh Expressions, Alpha, and Messy Church, alongside reflections on racism, online worship, and post-pandemic realities, makes this essential reading for church leaders and anyone concerned for the future of Anglican mission and ecclesiology. Cross persuasively argues that 'Jesus-shaped' hospitality is vital if the church is to embody Christ's welcome in meaningful and transformative ways." - John Swinton, Professor in Practical Theology and Pastoral Care, University of Aberdeen, UK
"This book offers a thorough and robust theological exploration of hospitality in the church. Cross expertly demonstrates that hospitality must be a foundational practice for mission. She begins with a scriptural overview of hospitality. She then explores a wide range of topics where hospitality is important but often lacking in areas such as social inclusion, race, disability, and neurodivergence. There is a wonderful section on bodily hospitality, reminding us that hospitality is indeed a corporeal act. Food, feasting and the source and politics of food and eating are thoroughly reviewed. Hospitality also has a storied dimension and this is discussed in some detail, including reference to the COVID-19 pandemic. The discussion proceeds to an in-depth evaluation and critique of Mission-Shaped Church, pioneering ministry, Alpha, Messy Church, and scrutiny of the parish church. Practitioners in these areas may find this tough but necessary reading. This book offers a unique, rigorously researched and comprehensive missiological perspective on hospitality." - Cathy Ross, Lecturer in Mission, Regents Park College and Tutor, Ripon College Cuddesdon, Oxford, UK
"In this fine study, Susan Cross presents a welcome analysis and development of ‘hospitality’, a concept that is often invoked but rarely analysed in missiological literature. I believe this is an important contribution to the field of missiology in the context of post-Christendom societies, and I warmly recommend it." - Stefan Paas, J. H. Bavinck Professor of Missiology and Public Theology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Netherlands
"This book offers a thorough and robust theological exploration of hospitality in the church. Cross expertly demonstrates that hospitality must be a foundational practice for mission. She begins with a scriptural overview of hospitality. She then explores a wide range of topics where hospitality is important but often lacking in areas such as social inclusion, race, disability, and neurodivergence. There is a wonderful section on bodily hospitality, reminding us that hospitality is indeed a corporeal act. Food, feasting and the source and politics of food and eating are thoroughly reviewed. Hospitality also has a storied dimension and this is discussed in some detail, including reference to the COVID-19 pandemic. The discussion proceeds to an in-depth evaluation and critique of Mission-Shaped Church, pioneering ministry, Alpha, Messy Church, and scrutiny of the parish church. Practitioners in these areas may find this tough but necessary reading. This book offers a unique, rigorously researched and comprehensive missiological perspective on hospitality." - Cathy Ross, Lecturer in Mission, Regents Park College and Tutor, Ripon College Cuddesdon, Oxford, UK
"In this fine study, Susan Cross presents a welcome analysis and development of ‘hospitality’, a concept that is often invoked but rarely analysed in missiological literature. I believe this is an important contribution to the field of missiology in the context of post-Christendom societies, and I warmly recommend it." - Stefan Paas, J. H. Bavinck Professor of Missiology and Public Theology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Netherlands
Anglican clergy and ordinands; scholars of the contemporary Church of England and missiologists; practising evangelists and evangelism students; postgraduate theology students; disability theologians; and pastoral and community workers.