Harding School of Theology Dissertations and Theses
Date of Award
Spring 4-16-2026
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Ministry (DMin)
First Advisor
Dr. Matthew Love
Second Advisor
Dr. Steve Cloer
Third Advisor
Dr. Jeff Peterson
Abstract
Throughout Scripture, hospitality occupies a central place in the mission of God. Welcoming the stranger across cultural barriers requires the church to practice missional hospitality by playing the role of host and, especially, guest in the neighborhood. Moreover, small group experimentation facilitates the innovation necessary to effectively practice missional hospitality. Through experimentation in cross-cultural situations, church members increase their awareness of cultural differences that leads to opportunities for the congregation to welcome neighbors in loving, sacrificial, and hospitable ways. Brentwood Oaks Church of Christ (BOCC) resides next to a neighborhood with a high population of Spanish-speaking immigrants. The goal of this project was to lead a team of seven BOCC members across the border of Braker Lane by executing four experiments in missional hospitality. The insights garnered through these experiments chart a path for the congregation’s cross-cultural ministry to and with Spanish-speaking neighbors. During the experiments, the team of explorers adopted a humble and listening posture by entering the stories, homes, and community life of the neighborhood. The assessments utilized in the “Crossing the Border” Lab included pre- and post-lab Cultural Intelligence surveys, post-lab interviews with participants, and respondent validation. The research and experimentation yielded several immediate steps to help BOCC better welcome the stranger. In addition, four key findings serve as a compass to orient BOCC to practice missional hospitality as the congregation ventures further into cross-cultural ministry: (1) Missional Hospitality joins God’s mission outside the church building walls, (2) Missional Hospitality prioritizes relationship and mutuality, (3) Missional Hospitality begins with small group experimentation, and (4) Missional Hospitality embraces cultural differences.
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Recommended Citation
Johanson, Charles, "Crossing the Border: A Participatory Action Research Project for the Brentwood Oaks Church of Christ to Engage with Spanish-Speaking Neighbors through Missional Hospitality" (2026). Harding School of Theology Dissertations and Theses. 50.
https://scholarworks.harding.edu/hst-etd/50
