| Abstract
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A systematic and ecumenical ecclesiology among Pentecostals is still in the making. The present article suggests that eucharistic hospitality is a suitable starting point for this endeavor. This notion exceeds the traditional confines of a sacramental approach to the nature of the church by rooting the Christian community more firmly in the foundational dimensions of companionship and hospitality. Central to these essential dimensions of the Christian life is the discipline of spiritual discernment, which continues to be neglected in most ecclesiologies. Moreover, the eucharistic meal itself has been entirely disregarded as an instrument of ecumenical discernment. From an analysis of the spiritual practice of discernment, in general, and in the context of the eucharistic meal, in particular, emerges an ecclesiology that emphasizes universal companionship among the faithful and hospitality to all creation. This perspective presents the greatest challenge and opportunity to Pentecostal eucharistic practice, ecumenical engagement, and ecclesiology. A systematic and ecumenical ecclesiology among Pentecostals is still in the making. The present article suggests that eucharistic hospitality is a suitable starting point for this endeavor. This notion exceeds the traditional confines of a sacramental approach to the nature of the church by rooting the Christian community more firmly in the foundational dimensions of companionship and hospitality. Central to these essential dimensions of the Christian life is the discipline of spiritual discernment, which continues to be neglected in most ecclesiologies. Moreover, the eucharistic meal itself has been entirely disregarded as an instrument of ecumenical discernment. From an analysis of the spiritual practice of discernment, in general, and in the context of the eucharistic meal, in particular, emerges an ecclesiology that emphasizes universal companionship among the faithful and hospitality to all creation. This perspective presents the greatest challenge and opportunity to Pentecostal eucharistic practice, ecumenical engagement, and ecclesiology.
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