Project – Theology of Hospitality: Its Understanding and Application in Abakaliki District of Assemblies of God.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

• Background to the Study

The theology of hospitality is a significant aspect of the Christian faith, particularly within the Assemblies of God in the Abakaliki District. This concept is deeply rooted in biblical teachings, where hospitality is often portrayed as a divine commandment and a virtue that every believer should embody (Pohl, 1999). The Assemblies of God, as a Pentecostal denomination, places a strong emphasis on community and fellowship, making the theology of hospitality a central part of their faith practice.

The understanding of hospitality within the Assemblies of God in Abakaliki District is multifaceted. It is not merely about welcoming guests into one’s home, but also about creating an environment of acceptance and love within the church community (Oden, 2001). This is often manifested in the form of communal meals, shared worship, and mutual support among members. The theology of hospitality is seen as a way to reflect God’s love and grace to others, and it is deeply intertwined with the church’s mission and evangelism efforts.

The application of the theology of hospitality in the Abakaliki District is evident in various church activities. For instance, the church often organizes outreach programs to welcome new members and provide support for those in need. These programs are not only a way to extend God’s love to others but also a means to strengthen the church community (Wuthnow, 1991). Furthermore, the church encourages its members to practice hospitality in their daily lives, such as by opening their homes to others and showing kindness to strangers.

However, the practice of hospitality within the Assemblies of God in Abakaliki District is not without challenges. Some scholars argue that the modern culture of individualism and self-centeredness can hinder the practice of biblical hospitality (Pohl, 1999). Moreover, the increasing diversity within the church community can also pose challenges to the practice of hospitality, as it requires a greater effort to understand and accept differences among members (Oden, 2001).

Despite these challenges, the Assemblies of God in Abakaliki District continues to uphold the theology of hospitality as a core part of their faith. They believe that through practicing hospitality, they can embody the love of Christ and build a stronger, more inclusive church community. This commitment to hospitality is a testament to the church’s dedication to living out their faith in tangible ways.

The theology of hospitality plays a crucial role in the Assemblies of God in the Abakaliki District. It is deeply rooted in biblical teachings and is manifested in various church activities. Despite the challenges, the church continues to uphold hospitality as a core part of their faith, reflecting their commitment to embodying the love of Christ in their community.

• Statement of the Problem

The problem statement for the study of the theology of hospitality and its understanding and application in the Abakaliki District of Assemblies of God is multifaceted. Firstly, there is a lack of comprehensive research on the theology of hospitality within this specific context. While hospitality is a fundamental aspect of Christian theology, its interpretation and application can vary significantly across different cultures and communities (O’Gorman, 2010).

Secondly, the Abakaliki District of Assemblies of God, like many other religious communities, is facing the challenge of modernization and globalization. These forces can potentially dilute traditional practices and values, including the practice of hospitality (Berger, 2001). Therefore, there is a need to understand how this community is maintaining and adapting its theology of hospitality in the face of these challenges.

Thirdly, the theology of hospitality is not just a theoretical concept but has practical implications for how the community interacts with each other and with outsiders. However, there is a lack of understanding of how this theology is being applied in practice within the Abakaliki District of Assemblies of God (Pohl, 2006).

Fourthly, the theology of hospitality has implications for social justice and inclusivity. However, there is a lack of research on how this theology is being used to address social issues within the Abakaliki District of Assemblies of God (Swinton & Mowat, 2006).

Fifthly, the theology of hospitality is a dynamic concept that evolves over time. However, there is a lack of longitudinal studies that track these changes within the Abakaliki District of Assemblies of God (Wuthnow, 2006).

Lastly, the theology of hospitality is a complex concept that intersects with other theological concepts. However, there is a lack of research that explores these intersections within the Abakaliki District of Assemblies of God (Volf, 1996).

• Aim and Objectives of the Study

The aim of the study is to Theology of Hospitality: Its Understanding and Application in Abakaliki District of Assemblies of God. The specific objectives are:

1. To explore the understanding of the theology of hospitality within the Assemblies of God in the Abakaliki District.
2. To examine the practical application of the theology of hospitality in the Church.
3. To identify the barriers to the implementation of the theology of hospitality in the Church.
4. To assess the impact of the theology of hospitality on the community and congregation of the Assemblies of God in the Abakaliki District.

• Research Questions

The research questions are buttressed below:

1. What is the understanding of the theology of hospitality within the Assemblies of God in the Abakaliki District?
2. How is the theology of hospitality practically applied in the Church?
3. What are the barriers to the implementation of the theology of hospitality in the Church?
4. What is the impact of the theology of hospitality on the community and congregation of the Assemblies of God in the Abakaliki District?

• Research Hypothesis

The hypothetical statement of the study is buttressed below:

Ho: The practical application of the theology of hospitality has no significant impact on the Church

H1: The practical application of the theology of hospitality has \significant impact on the Church

• Significance of the Study

The study of the theology of hospitality and its understanding and application in the Abakaliki District of Assemblies of God holds significant implications for both the church and the wider community. Firstly, it provides an in-depth understanding of the theological underpinnings of hospitality within the Assemblies of God. This understanding can help the church to better align its practices with its theological beliefs, thereby enhancing its spiritual integrity.

Secondly, the study can help to identify the barriers to the implementation of the theology of hospitality in the Church. By identifying these barriers, the church can develop strategies to overcome them, thereby improving its practice of hospitality. This could lead to a more welcoming and inclusive church environment, which could in turn attract more members and foster a stronger sense of community.

Thirdly, the study can shed light on the practical application of the theology of hospitality in the Church. This can provide valuable insights for other churches and religious organizations that are seeking to improve their own practices of hospitality. By sharing these insights, the Assemblies of God in the Abakaliki District can contribute to the broader discourse on hospitality in the Christian faith.

Fourthly, the study can assess the impact of the theology of hospitality on the community and congregation of the Assemblies of God in the Abakaliki District. This can provide valuable data on the social and spiritual benefits of practicing hospitality, which can be used to advocate for its importance within the church and the wider community.

Fifthly, the study can contribute to the academic literature on the theology of hospitality. Despite its importance, this topic has been relatively under-researched, particularly within the context of the Assemblies of God. By filling this gap in the literature, the study can provide a valuable resource for future researchers.

Finally, the study can have a transformative impact on the Assemblies of God in the Abakaliki District. By highlighting the importance of hospitality and providing practical recommendations for its implementation, the study can inspire the church to renew its commitment to this important aspect of the Christian faith. This could lead to a deepening of the church’s spiritual life and a strengthening of its community bonds.

• Scope of the Study

The study examines the theology of Hospitality: Its Understanding and Application in Abakaliki District of Assemblies of God.

• Operational Definition of Terms

Theology: This is the study of religious beliefs, particularly those related to the nature of God and religious truth. It involves the analysis and interpretation of religious texts and practices, and the exploration of religious experiences and issues.

Hospitality: This refers to the friendly and generous reception and entertainment of guests, visitors, or strangers. In a religious context, it often refers to the act of welcoming and caring for others, particularly those who are in need.

Understanding: This refers to the ability to comprehend or grasp the meaning of something. It involves the process of interpreting and making sense of information, experiences, or concepts.

Application: This refers to the act of putting something into operation or practice. In the context of theology, it could refer to the practical implementation of religious teachings or principles in daily life.

Assemblies of God: This is a group of over 140 autonomous but loosely associated national groupings of churches which together form the world’s largest Pentecostal denomination. Founded in the United States in 1914, it is now a global organization with congregations in over 200 countries. Its beliefs are based on the Bible and emphasize the need for personal salvation, baptism in the Holy Spirit, divine healing, and the imminent return of Jesus Christ.

Project – Theology of Hospitality: Its Understanding and Application in Abakaliki District of Assemblies of God.