Churches, Cultures, and Leadership: A Practical Theology of Congregations and Ethnicities, 2nd ed.

by Mark Lau Branson; Juan F. Martínez

Publisher:

IVP Academic

, 2023

Overview

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.

Key Features

• Addresses real-life challenges and opportunities that arise in multiethnic contexts
• Updated throughout to address current trends and sources
• Draws on courses taught at Fuller Theological Seminary

Contents

• Part I: Theology and Context
• Part II: Sociocultural Perspectives
• Part III: Leadership, Communication and Change

Praise for the Print Edition

Branson and Martinez offer valuable questions and perspectives pastors should consider as they deal with our changing multiethnic reality. This book is a valuable conversation starter for churches facing issues connected to that reality.

—George Yancey, professor of sociology at Baylor University and author of Beyond Racial Division

I assign Churches, Cultures, and Leadership in my courses in Spanish as well as in English. Every church in the United States is called to serve a diverse community and to respond to an ethnically and racially conflicted environment. Every pastor is called to learn the art of discerning the movement of the Holy Spirit in their neighborhood. This new version responds to the signs of the times and is designed to help readers to better process the contents. As the church struggles to transform itself to channel the pure wine of the gospel in the multiplicity of modern wineskins, we need this book to inspire, support, and guide us.

—Alexia Salvatierra, academic dean of Centro Latino at Fuller Theological Seminary

Product Details

• Title: Churches, Cultures & Leadership: A Practical Theology of Congregations and Ethnicities
• Authors: Mark Lau Branson, Juan F. Martínez
• Edition: Second Edition
• Publisher: IVP Academic
• Print Publication Date: 2023
• Logos Release Date: 2023
• Pages: 282
• Era: era:contemporary
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Reader Edition
• Subjects: Multiculturalism › Religious aspects--Christianity; Church and minorities › United States; Pastoral theology › United States
• ISBNs: 9781514002889, 9781514002872, 1514002884, 1514002876
• Resource ID: LLS:CHRCHSCLTRS2NDD
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2023-01-23T16:53:24Z

Benefits of Logos Edition

In the Logos Reader Edition, this volume is enhanced to best fit the content. Scripture references are hand-tagged to integrate with powerful functionality in Logos Bible Software. Page milestones and internal citation tagging provide accurate points of reference. Search important words across resources to find exactly what you’re looking for. Take the discussion with you using tablet and mobile apps. With Logos Bible Software, the most efficient and comprehensive tools for reading digital content are in one place, so you get the most out of your study.