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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.
Part II: Sociocultural Perspectives
Haah Video: Theology of Discomfort
Stepping outside of our comfort zone is key for developing multicultural relationships and churches. Pastor Kevin Haah explains that culture is not a zero sum game. When we embrace other cultures, our own identity is enhanced. We are created to … Read the Post
Carson Video: Learning Spanish and Connecting with Neighbors
Pastor Elwood Carson, of New Life in Christ Church (Los Angeles), shares about how evolving neighborhood demographics prompted him to learn Spanish. Over time, as church members engaged their neighbors, a series of events and experiences led this predominantly African … Read the Post
Posted in: Part I: Theology and Context, Part II: Sociocultural Perspectives, Part III: Leadership, Communication and Change, Videos
Tags: African American, Church Story, Intercultural communication, Intercultural Leadership, Language, Latino/a, Leading Change, Local neighborhood, Missional church, Multiethnic Congregation
Fong video: First Steps to Being an Asian American Church
Pastor Ken Fong discusses how Evergreen Baptist Church moved from being a Japanese American church to an Asian American church. He tells of how the Japanese Americans displayed an attitude of openness toward the Chinese American newcomers, but real intercultural … Read the Post
Doi Video: Power Distance Ratios
Pastor Doi discusses Geert and Gert Jan Hofstede’s work on power distance ratios (see Cultures and Organizations) and how Epic Church has benefited from this framework. → In chapter 5, on page 122, Martínez writes about language and power. → On p … Read the Post
Doi Video: Inclusion, Exclusion, Power
Pastor Doi connects how Epic church cares about inclusion, rooted in Jesus stories. The church attends to how matters of power and inclusion affect church conversation patterns, meals, and worship. → On p 140, Martínez writes about the importance of … Read the Post
Buchanan Video: Conflicts Regarding Diversity
Rev. Buchanan notes the challenges that can surface within an ethnic group when they differ concerning the pursuit of intercultural life. → On p 220, Branson writes about relational leadership and the need to be aware of and takes steps … Read the Post
Buchanan Video: Friendships
Rev. Buchanan’s stories about cross-cultural friendships indicate how these change the imagination of a church. It is important to notice the human and holy factors that shape such relationships. → On p 63, Branson defines the work of “congregational formation … Read the Post
Manning Video: Bonding with Humor, Serving, & a Birthday Party
In our conversation about the transition to being a multicultural church, Pastor Manning talked about humorous conversations and poignant gatherings.
Documentary on Chinese Americans
“Becoming American: The Chinese Experience” A set of 3 videos produced by Bill Moyers — from the Gold Rush, through exclusion and the changing legal environment, to recent decades of new immigration, these Chinese American stories cover matters that are … Read the Post
Documentaries on Mexican American Migrations
The southwest border of the US is a unique boundary that is full of stories, meanings, challenges, suffering, and hope. These documentaries provide perspectives and insights. (These comments are drawn from their websites.) Calvera Highway, from PBS’ POV series, is … Read the Post