-
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.
Intercultural communication
Haah Video: Leader as Learner
In the midst of intercultural life, Pastor Kevin Haah admits that he, like anyone, has ethnocentric tendencies that are potentially hurtful to others. He discusses that through a posture of humility and attentiveness, a leader can learn from mistakes and … Read the Post
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
Haah Video: Gospel
Pastor Kevin Haah talks about the importance of a theology of inclusivity. We don’t gather because we are moral – we gather as a church because Jesus Christ welcomes sinners into his grace. For New City Church, multicultural relationships and … Read the Post
Haah Video: Stories
Pastor Kevin Haah conveys of the importance of sharing stories within the community. New City Church listens to each other’s stories, including those of members from skid row and from those living in nearby lofts. They recognize their shared brokenness … Read the Post
Fong Video: Youth Lead Neighborhood Change
When a youth pastor at Evergreen Baptist took a job at the neighborhood recreation center, the missional life of the church changed dramatically. Pastor Fong tells the story of how God led the youth and parents to step outside their … Read the Post
Posted in: Part I: Theology and Context, Part III: Leadership, Communication and Change, Videos
Tags: Asian American, Church Story, intercul, Intercultural communication, Intercultural Leadership, Leading Change, Missional church, Multicultural churches, Reconciliation and Mediation, Relationships, Training
Fong Video: Meetings, Diverse Voices, & Leadership
Pastor Ken Fong (Evergreen Baptist Church, Los Angeles) talks about church board meetings – and how diversity changes the discussion. He explains how the church’s vision and values have prompted them to seek diverse leadership so that a multitude of … Read the Post
Fong Video: Members Initiate & Leaders Create Space
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 … Read the Post
Fong Video: Cultural Differences – Stewardship
Pastor Fong tells a story in which a decision about cleaning the church’s carpets surfaced different cultural values. Even seemingly unimportant decisions are arrived at on the basis of deeply held beliefs. Fong shows how their conversation about theology and … Read the Post
Posted in: Part I: Theology and Context, Part III: Leadership, Communication and Change, Videos
Tags: Asian American, Chinese American, Church Story, Communication, Decision-making, Intercultural communication, Intercultural Leadership, Japanese American, Leading Change, Multicultural churches, Relationships, Worldview
Carson Video: Willing to Change – Passion & Patience
Pastor Elwood Carson portrays the complexities associated with becoming a multi-ethnic congregation. He talks about having to adapt his African American preaching style as Latino neighbors join the congregation. Also, the congregation embodies differences between people and their various stages … Read the Post
Carson Video: Prophecies, the Economy, and from Commuter to Local
Pastor Carson’s story shows how transformation is not a straight line. Turbulent economic times forced many commuters at Carson’s congregation to stop coming to church in an effort to save money on gas. This difficult loss led the church to … Read the Post