Toward an Educational Model for Leaders in Multicultural Congregations

Abstract

<p><strong>Toward an Educational Model for Leaders in Multicultural Congregations</strong></p> <p>The author articulates a Christian response to multiculturalism that informs the development of an educational model to enable the growth of congregational leaders in multiculturaI self-awareness and intercultural dialogue skills. A contrast is indicated between the mono-cultural, homogeneous congregation and the multicultural, heterogeneous congregation. The author draws upon multicultural social theory, biblical studies, theological reflection, leadership studies, a social research project conducted with leaders in multi-ethnic congregations, intercultural communication skills and adult education methodologies. These studies support the development of two analytical tools---a Multicultural Leader Profile, and a Developmental Matrix for Multicultural Leaders-and suggested an educational model for fostering multiculturaI self-awareness and intercultural dialogue skills in congregational leaders. The author's conclusion is that leaders in multi-ethnic congregations must move through a process of cognitive and affective redefinition to enable the development of authentic multicultural congregations.</p>