Leading Cross-Culturally: Covenant Relationships for Effective Christian Leadership - Softcover

Sherwood G. Lingenfelter

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0801036054 ISBN 13: 9780801036057

Publisher: Baker Academic, 2008

Synopsis

As the U.S. becomes more diverse, crosscultural ministry is increasingly important for nearly all pastors and church leaders. Of particular concern is the issue of leadershipa difficult task made even more challenging in multicultural settings. Sherwood Lingenfelter helps the reader understand his or her own leadership culture (and its blind spots), examine it critically in light of Scripture, and become an effective learner of other cultural perspectives on leadership. He also confronts the issues of power inherent in any leadership situation. Lingenfelter carefully defines crosscultural leadership and unpacks that definition throughout the book, with an emphasis on building communities of vision, trust, and empowerment through leadership based on biblical principles. In the end, he argues that leaders must inhabit the gospel story to be effective crossculturally.

About this title

From the Back Cover

"No one is better qualified to tackle the thorny challenges of cross-cultural leadership than Sherwood Lingenfelter. Leading Cross-Culturally brings together a rare blend of anthropology, leadership theory, and theology that calls cross-cultural team members into covenant relationships centered on Christ and the cross. This is practical missiology at its best."--Tom Steffen, School of Intercultural Studies, Biola University

"With missionaries traveling from everywhere to everywhere, a book on cross-cultural leadership is urgently needed. Lingenfelter builds on his wide global experience and illustrates powerful principles with insightful examples and Scripture."--James E. Plueddemann, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School; former international director, Serving in Mission

"Lingenfelter combines his intercultural experience and judicious study of cross-cultural leadership with biblical-theological reflections and creative use of empirical cases. This book should be in the hands of everyone already in cross-cultural leadership as well as those who are considering entering the field."--Lalsangkima Pachuau, Asbury Theological Seminary

"A compelling volume. As a practitioner, trainer, and instructor of leaders and teams in ministry and missions, I will have to include this book in my required texts. In fact, it has challenged some of my own assumptions about this difficult aspect of kingdom work."--Mike Barnett, Columbia International University Seminary and School of Missions

"A tremendous book that combines the best theory and practice with the kind of perspective that comes only from vast personal experience."--Earl Creps, Berkeley Church Planting Project

"In this insightful and exceptionally practical book, Lingenfelter points us to the three essential components for lasting kingdom impact: leadership, cultural values, and the Word of God."--Bambang Budijanto, Compassion International

"An excellent resource on exercising leadership in cross-cultural contexts. Lingenfelter goes directly to the heart of the matter--building a covenant community of trust."--John Watters, Wycliffe Bible Translators Internationa

"This is a remarkable book. It is crafted out of life and honesty and reflects Lingenfelter's own pilgrimage. It is grounded in Scripture and deep spirituality, protecting leadership from mere technique and transforming it into discipleship principles."--William D. Taylor, World Evangelical Alliance and the Mission Commission

"Lingenfelter provides another significant contribution that takes culture seriously and the Bible authoritatively. This resource will allow global leaders to learn and discuss together their shared desire to serve Christ's kingdom."--Byron D. Klaus, Assemblies of God Theological Seminary

About the Author

Sherwood G. Lingenfelter (PhD, University of Pittsburgh) is senior professor of anthropology and provost emeritus at Fuller Theological Seminary. He is the author of Transforming Culture, Agents of Transformation, Ministering Cross-Culturally (with Marvin K. Mayers), and Teaching Cross-Culturally (with Judith E. Lingenfelter) as well as several volumes on anthropology.

Edition details

• Publisher: Baker Academic
• Publication date: 2008
• ISBN 10: 0801036054
• ISBN 13: 9780801036057
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 176