A Handbook For Cross Cultural Ministry

In 1998 Carissa Alma said goodbye to everything and everyone that she had ever known and loved - trading it all for the joy of following Jesus in a cross-cultural setting. Along with the practical skills and expertise acquired throughout her journey of faith, one overriding conclusion burns most brightly in her life: our call is to the embrace of the Lord Himself.Thriving in Cross Cultural Ministry recounts a story that will be told throughout all eternity. A story filled with Holy Spirit inspired truth. A story that not only offers Godly wisdom and counsel for every missionary, but one that encourages the heart of every believer everywhere - whether at home or abroad.

Duane Elmer asked people around the world how they felt about Western missionaries. The response? "Missionaries could be more effective if they did not think they were better than us." The last thing we want to do in cross-cultural ministry is to offend people in other cultures. Unfortunately, all too often and even though we don't mean it, our actions communicate superiority, paternalism, imperialism and arrogance. Our best intentions become unintentional insults. How can we minister in ways that are received as true Christlike service? Cross-cultural specialist Duane Elmer gives Christians practical advice for serving other cultures with sensitivity and humility. With careful biblical exposition and keen cross-cultural awareness, he shows how our actions and attitudes often contradict and offend the local culture. He offers principles and guidance for avoiding misunderstandings and building relationships in ways that honor others. Here is culturally-savvy insight into how we can follow Jesus' steps to become global servants. Whether you're going on your first short-term mission trip or ministering overseas for extended periods, this useful guide is essential reading for anyone who wants to serve effectively in international settings with grace and sensitivity.

Ministering Cross-Culturally examines the significance of the incarnation for effective cross-cultural ministry. The authors demonstrate that Jesus needed to learn and understand the culture in which he lived before he could undertake his public ministry. The ideas in this book have proven to be successful for thousands of ministers, and the book is destined to be a resource of choice for years to come. Book jacket.

Missiologist James E. Plueddemann presents a roadmap for crosscultural leadership development in the global church. With keen understanding of current research on cultural dynamics, he integrates theology with leadership theory to apply biblical insights to practical issues in world mission.

Veteran mission professionals Steve Hoke and Bill Taylor offer a practical guide for preparing for intercultural missions. They provide resources for personal spiritual preparation as well as crosscultural skills and hands-on missionary training.

Cross-cultural ministry is extremely challenging and must be entered into with eyes wide open. The aim of this book is to help better prepare cross-cultural workers to accomplish the task to which God has called them, to help churches become more proactive in recruiting potential candidates and providing ministry opportunities for assessment and development of their gifts, and to help mission agencies more thoroughly evaluate candidates in light of needed competencies.