Research Article: Toward a Cyclical Missional Model of Spiritual Formation in Latin America. pp. 5-22.
Author: J. Omar Palafox
Keywords: conscientisation; solidarity; hospitality; liberation theology; Latin America; missional formation
Abstract
Latin American churches stand at a paradoxical crossroads. Across the region, congregations preach against systemic injustice and welcome migrants, the poor, and the displaced with remarkable warmth. Yet, they often hesitate to risk public solidarity with those same neighbours. I describe and measure this tension as a “solidarity bottleneck.” Drawing on a mixed-methods study of 14 pastors from eight countries, I employ a 21-item bilingual survey and thematic analysis of openended responses to compare three dimensions of missional formation: conscientisation, solidarity, and hospitality. The data reveal a consistent drop from critical awareness and welcome to advocacy, a gap that pastors themselves attribute to fear of political backlash, even when their intent is simply to name sin and call the church to obedience to Christ, limited organising skills, and competing ministry priorities. To respond to this stall, I propose a cyclical Analyse–Accompany–Assimilate (A-AA) model in which hospitality does not end the church’s mission but sparks new rounds of critical reflection and public Christian witness and discipleship in the life of society. A six-month pilot in five congregations showed a medium increase in solidarity scores, suggesting that when A-A-A rhythms are woven into teaching and leadership, Latin American churches can sustain a Spirit-led cycle that links personal spirituality with long-term commitments to justice, God’s justice, and the healing of creation.
Published
Date: May 2026
