Toward Jesus' Hospitality by Pablo Kim Sun

The journey toward becoming an intercultural church is both a spiritual calling and a practical challenge. As part of the ongoing development of the Intercultural Tool Kit, several foundational resources have been identified to help congregations move from a "multicultural" presence to true "intercultural" engagement.

One such resource is Toward Jesus’ Hospitality

Former Senior Leader of Intercultural Ministry, Pablo Kim Sun, explores the differences between three types of hospitality: 

• Common Hospitality
• Widening Hospitality
• Mutual Hospitality

Common hospitality is the kindness, respect and sharing done by people with similar backgrounds and personalities. Numerous scientific studies prove that good relationships are key to a healthy and happy life. 

Widening Hospitality occurs when people begin to expand their community to people different from themselves such as in class, ethnicity and experience. However, there’s still the dichotomy between hosts and guests; as a result, in this dynamic, asymmetry of power is unavoidable.

Mutual Hospitality is what Kim calls, “Making our Home Strange.” It is when those who have been the hosts become guests, and those who have been the guests become hosts. People who were served will have the opportunity to serve and participate, and those who have been serving will receive and enjoy the gifts of the new hosts.

Kim engages these forms of hospitality through examples found in scripture. He argues that all forms of hospitality are important. They are all needed in the family of God. However, he does urge one important call:

“But, don’t just remain in one type of hospitality because ultimately, we are in the journey of becoming God’s family where everyone is included”

Kim ends with presentation with these discussion questions:

1. Who Comprises the Majority and Minority Groups in Your Church?
2. What kinds of hospitality practices are evident in your local church, and how do they influence the surrounding community and neighborhood?
3. As leaders, how can you encourage your community to progress to the next stage?
4. What additional resources or support would be beneficial to empower your church's progress? 

See below for a Powerpoint presentation of Toward Jesus’ Hospitality

If you would like more information on Intercultural Ministry please visit our website or email us at [email protected]