Cross-Cultural Conflict: Building Relationships for Effective Ministry

by Duane Elmer

Overview

Whether at home or abroad, communicating with people of other cultures is difficult. It requires new ways of thinking and interpreting the world. When conflict arises, as it often does, the issues become even more confusing. Without a good understanding of how different cultures handle conflict, our best intentions may only make matters worse.

With a particular focus on Asian and Hispanic cultures (at home and around the world) and on African culture, Duane Elmer walks readers through various types of conflict and shows how they can be handled effectively and appropriately. Elmer gives numerous stories and examples from his experience and from others' to show how handling conflict well builds solid relationships. With an eye out for biblical principles, he looks at a variety of sticky questions in Scripture. This is a book not just of theory but of practical models of conflict resolution.

Pastors, evangelists, business people, missionaries, students—anyone who wants to communicate more effectively with neighbors and colleagues—will find this book immensely helpful.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780830816576
Publisher:	InterVarsity Press
Publication date:	12/21/1993
Pages:	192
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.25(h) x 0.60(d)

About the Author

Duane H. Elmer (Ph.D., Michigan State U.) is director of the Ph.D. program in educational studies and is the G. W. Aldeen Chair of International Studies at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, Illinois. In addition to traveling and teaching in over 75 countries, he has provided cross-cultural training to Fortune 500 companies, relief and development agencies, mission organizations, churches and educational institutions. He has also conducted peace and reconciliation efforts in several countries. Recently, he led faculty development workshops at over 25 European and Middle Eastern schools on the theme of Teaching for Transformation. He has taught at Durban Bible College (Durban, South Africa), Michigan State University and Wheaton College and Graduate School.

His articles have been published in journals such as Moody Monthly, Evangelical Missions Quarterly, Christian Education Journal, Discernment, and Christianity Today. His books include An Analysis of Hebrews: A Programmed Instruction, Building Relationships, With an Eye on the Future: Church and Development in the Twenty-First Century, Cross-Cultural Conflict and Cross-Cultural Connections.

Table of Contents

Part 1: Understanding Conflict and Culture
1. The Amazing Contours of Conflict
2. Cultural Diversity Was God's Idea (and So Was Unity)
3. Handling Conflict the American Way
4. Conflict and Cultural Values

Part 2: Cultural Diversity and Conflict Resolution
5. Mediation and Mediator
6. The One-Down Position and Vulnerability
7. Storytelling and Proverbs
8. Inaction, Misdirection, Silence and Indefinate Persons

Part 3: Implications for the Gospel Message
9. Communicating the Gospel Across Culture
10. Power and Winning: The Twin Diseases
11. Communication Principles for Conflict Resolution: A Case Study from Joshua
12. Principles for Managing Conflict

Notes

Bibliography

What People are Saying About This

Ted Ward

"From his wealth of experience at home and abroad, Duane Elmer has created a wondrous tribute to the human capability of learning to relate to people who are different."
— Ted Ward, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School

James E. Plueddemann

"Elmer has addressed the basic problem behind 90% of all my frustrations as a mission executive. I highly recommend the book as required reading. . . . Thank you for this most important contribution to world mission."
— James E. Plueddemann, SIM International

Luis Bush

"This book should be required reading for any person involved in or entering into cross-cultural ministry. It also has enormous value for anyone interested in building healthy relationships to serve God more effectively, wherever they may be."
— Luis Bush, formerly international director, AD 2000 & Beyond Movement

Bong Rin Ro

"Every cross-cultural worker and those who live in cross-cultural communities will find this book informative and helpful in adjusting to another culture."
— Bong Rin Ro, Overseas Missionary Fellowship

Editorial Reviews

"This book should be required reading for any person involved in or entering into cross-cultural ministry. It also has enormous value for anyone interested in building healthy relationships to serve God more effectively, wherever they may be."

Luis Bush

"Every cross-cultural worker and those who live in cross-cultural communities will find this book informative and helpful in adjusting to another culture."

Bong Rin Ro

"From his wealth of experience at home and abroad, Duane Elmer has created a wondrous tribute to the human capability of learning to relate to people who are different."

Ted Ward

"Elmer has addressed the basic problem behind 90% of all my frustrations as a mission executive. I highly recommend the book as required reading. . . . Thank you for this most important contribution to world mission."

James E. Plueddemann