When Japanese American members took the initiative to share their stories about relocation camps, Pastor Fong remembered how his own previous learning had shaped his cross-cultural empathy. His story created space in the congregation for a deeper appreciation for cultural narratives and the Japanese American members found receptivity for their stories. These members wrote the book Triumphs of Faith: Stories of Japanese-American Christians During World War II, edited by Victor Okada. → Martínez emphasizes the importance of sharing cultural narratives (pp 235-6). On p 221, Branson lists encouraging experiments as a key task of implemental leadership. Implemental leadership is part of the leadership triad, a framework for understanding the roles of a leader (pp 54-56). Also, on pp 70-72, Branson notes that a leader’s role includes shaping an environment in which the initiatives of members are encouraged. You can use this video to discuss how leaders shape an environment in which the imagination and initiatives of members are welcome. Another element in the video is Pastor Fong’s reflections on his own learning and convictions, how those reflections served the church, and his closing question about how often he misses such opportunities. This helps explain the Branson & Martínez emphasis on a leader’s need to reflect on his/her own cultural autobiography (p 19) and the balcony work of leadership (pp 215-16). This is the 6th clip from the interview with Fong.
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Mark Lau Branson, Ed.D.
Mark is the Homer L. Goddard Associate Professor of the Ministry of the Laity at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California, where he teaches courses in congregational leadership and community engagement.
Juan F. Martínez, Ph.D.
Juan is Associate Dean in charge of the Center for the Study of Hispanic Church and Community and Associate Professor of Hispanic Studies and Pastoral Leadership at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California.
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That is the purpose of our writing: to help men and women in our churches to see differently and to gain the skills and competencies needed for multicultural contexts. We want to encourage church leaders to create environments that make God’s reconciling initiatives apparent in church life and in our missional engagement with neighborhoods and cities.
Mark Lau Branson, Ed.D. &
Juan F. Martínez, Ph.D.