Issues Clouding Intercultural Transitions

Churches or ministry organizations that are transitioning to become intentionally intercultural face multiple issues that are not typical of their normal experience.

Cultural ignorance: People from multiple cultural backgrounds are thrust together, often resulting in vast differences of preferences and expectations.

Language barriers: When one language (often English) serves as the primary means of communication, persons less fluent in that language struggle to be understood.

Ethnically based stereotypes: The host culture tends to relegate other cultures to their appropriate roles based on preconceptions of that culture.

Passive racism: Judgments that one group has formed concerning other cultural language groups are now tested within the context of a Christian community.

Economic partiality: Many newcomers from other nations find themselves underemployed and therefore not viewed as having the same status as those who are economically well established.

Exclusion of minorities from leadership groups: Due to long established relationships in the host culture or restrictive appointment policies, sizable minority groups may not be represented in the leadership circles of their church even though they are active in church programming.

Distinct differences in worldview and spiritual expectations: Expectations of what is appropriate behavior or what is spiritual will vary between the host culture and other cultures in a church, often leading to judgment and disillusionment.

Social partition: The friendly greeting in the church foyer may not translate into consistent relationships outside of the church building.

Reprinted from Session 1 “The Dynamics of Transition,” in Becoming an Intentionally Intercultural Church, by Robert Bryjolfson and Jonathan Lewis, editors. Used by permission.

David Wells, superintendent, British Columbia/Yukon District, Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada.