Practical Theology For Church Diversity [Hardcover]

Cross-racial pastoral ministry and multicultural ministry are wonderfully complex endeavors. Practical Theology for Church Diversity suggests that they include a substantial amount of conversation, preparation, and prayer if they are to be done faithfully. Sacred spaces within Christian churches can have a meaningful witness through diversity in their particular locations. This book skillfully informs, gently challenges, and respectfully questions some widespread components of church life along demographic lines. Most importantly, it focuses on pragmatic approaches to cross-cultural pastoral ministry and multicultural ministry for readers to utilize. All persons of faith, religious institutions, professors, seminarians, and others interested in church diversity on any level will find this book a valuable resource. Professor Walden is a gifted theoretician-practitioner. His theological analysis illuminates essential principles for effective engagement in cross-racial and multicultural ministry. His guidebook explores a spectrum ranging from prerequisite skills to advanced knowledge for teaching the beginning seminarian, as well as resourcing experienced pastors who have limited exposure to multicultural ministry. Walden forges a creative paradigm for ministry readiness in the twenty-first century. --Vergel L. Lattimore, President, Hood Theological Seminary, Salisbury, NC Practical Theology for Church Diversity delivers a serious charge to the twenty-first-century church--pastoral ministry should reflect the diverse and multicultural composition of American society and a broader world. Ken J. Walden's text makes realizing the global village in local congregations worthy and attainable. From case studies and step-by-step recommendations to scholarly resources for church leaders and congregations, Walden demonstrates that a 'practical theology for church diversity' brims with possibilities for supra-church collaborations, more inclusive congregations, and racial rls4