Churches, cultures, and leadership : a practical theology of congregations and ethnicities / Mark Lau Branson & Juan F. Martínez.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Branson, Mark Lau, 1949- author.

Martínez, Juan Francisco, 1957- author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Multiculturalism--Religious aspects--Christianity.

Multiculturalism.

Church and minorities--United States.

Church and minorities.

Pastoral theology--United States.

Pastoral theology.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (296 pages) ; illustrations.

Place of Publication:

Downers Grove, Illinois : IVP Academic, an imprint of InterVarsity Press, [2023].

Summary:

"In a world that is more culturally diverse than ever, pastors and lay leaders need skills and competencies to serve in multicultural contexts. This rich blend of astute analysis and practical guidance offers a praxis of paying attention, study, and discernment that leads to genuine reconciliation and shared life empowered by the gospel"-- Provided by publisher.

We live in a culturally diverse society. As the church continues to heed Christ's call to reflect the multiethnic character of his people, pastors and lay leaders need to gain skills and competencies to serve in multicultural contexts, both inside and beyond their congregations. With this book, Mark Lau Branson and Juan F. Martínez equip leaders to create environments that make God's reconciling initiatives apparent in church life and in missional engagement with their neighborhoods and cities. Drawing on courses they've taught at Fuller Theological Seminary, Branson and Martínez take an interdisciplinary approach that integrates biblical and theological study with sociology, cultural anthropology, leadership studies, and communications. The result is a rich blend of astute analysis and guidance for the practical implementation of a deeper intercultural life for the church. Case studies, Bible studies, and exercises for personal and group reflection address real-life challenges and opportunities that arise in multiethnic contexts. Churches, Cultures, and Leadership offers not a static model but a praxis of paying attention, study, and discernment that can lead to genuine reconciliation and shared life empowered by the gospel. This new edition is updated throughout to address current trends and sources, particularly emphasizing the continuing power of racism and how churches should respond.

Contents:

Introduction: Who, what, why?

PART I: THEOLOGY AND CONTEXT

1. Practical theology and multicultural initiatives

2. Missional ecclesiology and church context

3. Sociocultural structures, ethnicity and churches

PART II: SOCIOCULTURAL PERSPECTIVES

4. Worldviews, reality, and assumptions

5. Language, gestures, and power

6. Defining social relations

7. Self-perceptions and individuality

8. Perception and thinking

PART III: LEADERSHIP, COMMUNICATION, AND CHANGE

9. Intercultural communication

10. Leading change

11. Practices for the calling

Appendix: Lectio Divina.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and indexes.

Description based on print version record.

ISBN:

9781514002889

1-5140-0288-4