Churches, Cultures and Leadership: A Practical Theology of Congregations and Ethnicities
"This book provoked my mind theologically, historically, practically and spiritually. Branson and Martínez do a masterful job in communicating the complexities that conjoin church, cultures and leadership." (Dr. David A. Anderson, senior pastor, radio host, and author of Gracism)"A book on the intercultural formation of congregations that integrates theology and cultural anthropology. This book is not a 'how to' but a humble and profoundly informative presentation that facilitates coming to the transparency needed for moving toward intercultural relations and ministry. Culture, language, worldview, theology and the unconscious assumptions that shape these are defined and examined so that we can understand our habits of ethnicity, class and social status. Awareness exercises are provided for facilitating conversations and the doing of theology. Leadership issues are then discussed in light of all of these aspects. The vignettes provided keep it real, and resources are provided with every chapter for further reading and viewing (movies). Finally, a book that's 'real' about these complex matters. Read it, share it and you will be ushered into lasting change." (Dr. Elizabeth Conde-Frazier, pastor, religious educator and dean of Esperanza College of Eastern University)"Given the phenomenal demographic changes in our nation (e.g., cultural diversity of our communities and congregations),Churches, Cultures and Leadershipis a very important and rich resource for engaging the multicultural challenges facing the church. Via an interdisciplinary approach (i.e., Scripture, practical theology, social anthropology, cultural studies, philosophical hermeneutics, leadership theory and communication) Branson and Martínez have gifted the church with an unique--the only one of its kind--work for practical and faithful intercultural life and for helping the church reflect the diversity of America." (Rev. Eldin Villafane, Ph.D., professor, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, and author of Beyond Cheap Grace)"Part biblical study, part handbook on ministry, for use in the classroom or in small groups,Churches, Cultures and Leadershipis a foundational text that meets the need for a broad, interdisciplinary and substantive perspective on intercultural ministry. From years of experience, Mark Lau Branson and Juan Martínez offer unique insights and a range of practical resources. May it help us toward a church in the power of the Spirit!" (Mark R. Gornik and Maria Liu Wong, City Seminary of New York)"Branson and Martínez discuss the issues of culture and ethnicity in the life of the church, and of leadership within the context of these issues, in a more thorough and yet more accessible and practical way than any other book I know. This is a must-read book for any who are really concerned for the mission of the church in the future that now opens before us." (Justo L. Gonzalez, author of The Story of Christianity)"If I were teaching today, this would be my basic and required text. If I were a pastor, this would be my chief source for leading my congregation into the future. Since I am a congregant, I will read this to better understand how to function in a changing urban society. This is a timely offering, crafted out of field experience, classroom disciplines and deep personal commitments. Great stuff!" (William Pannell, Fuller Theological Seminary)"Churches, Cultures & Leadershipis one of the most significant books on the work of racial and cultural reconciliation yet published. Branson and Martínez have written a comprehensive work that integrates biblical research and social science analysis with highly practical suggestions for application in congregations and communities facing intercultural realities. They make the complexities of diversity understandable, accessible and even exciting. This thoughtful, engaging and substantive book by two practitioner scholars is a must-read for anyone interested in creating intercultural community." (Curtiss Paul DeYoung, professor of reconciliation studies, Bethel University)