Intercultural training and missions: a contextual approach to multiculturalism in South African city churches
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Authors
Luis, Joao
Issue Date
2020-09
Type
Thesis
Language
en
Keywords
Multiculturalism , Intercultural training , Mission , Cross-cultural training , Theology training , Contextual approach , Pastors training , Intercultural competence , Intercultural sensitivity , Cultural competence , South African city churches , Globalization , Migration , Urbanisation
Alternative Title
Abstract
This study responds to the question of what approach should the church and theology
undertake to address multiculturalism within the church, and how taken in the missiological
context intercultural training promotes cultural competence in a multicultural church. The
study proves that most churches in South African cities consist of a mixture of people from
different cultural, ethnic, and racial groups. This mixture of people, as seen in this study, is
a result of factors such as globalization, migration, and urbanisation. Multiculturalism in the
church challenges the philosophy of ministry in the church including missions, worship,
preaching and interpersonal relationship of the members.
The study suggests the theological training institutions to consider integrating
intercultural training and missions (ITM) into their curriculum to develop cultural
competencies. ITM, being a theological approach of inclusiveness, enables church leaders
with the ability to work effectively in situations characterized by cultural diversity.
Therefore, ethnography was chosen as an appropriate qualitative research
methodology for this study. Research methods such as participant observation, literature
review and interviews were used to collect the data. Interviews were conducted with pastors
of multicultural churches in cities such as Pretoria, Johannesburg, and Cape Town. The
validity of the findings in this research was established through cross-cultural training
schools and workshops conducted with church leaders from different parts of South Africa
and other countries of Africa.
Description
Bibliography: leaves 298-345