Cross-Cultural Conflict: Building Relationships for Effective Ministry

An excellent book for insight into the perspective of people in other cultures and their view the world. Uses examples which are helpful to understand there may not be a right and wrong, but rather just a difference. We ask all our short-term missionaries to read this book prior to joining us on mission trips to Kenya. However, it can be applied to relationships here in the U.S. also. I highly recommend it.

I learned so much about myself and my culture, my mindset, and how it differs from that of people in Eastern cultures. Having been in Indian culture for two years and then giving up out of exasperation, this book gave me a fresh perspective and hope.

Duane Elmer's book Cross-Cultural Conflict is an important book intended to "clarify issues in intercultural and interracial conflict, to provide insights on different ways people of various cultures handle conflict, and to evaluate these approaches according to Scripture" (pg. 22). Elmer also seeks to "provide practical guidelines for (1) helping people live harmoniously with our cultural differences, (2) developing a positive strategy for dealing with conflict, and (3) communicating the gospel of Jesus Christ more effectively and ministering the nurturing grace of God (pg. 22). The first section stresses that learning to live harmoniously with people is an issue of learning to accept cultural differences and remembering the importance of unity as taught in the Bible. It is important to remember that God places a high priority on the importance of relationships and if we fail to reflect God's heart in this area we will risk undermining our ability to effectively communicate the gospel. The second section of the book offers several strategies for positively dealing with conflict. Elmer's approach is for the missionary to utilize the method of dealing with conflict in the particular cultural setting one is in. It is important to realize the there is no necessarily one right way of handling conflict but rather different ways. The missionary needs to place a higher priority on relationships than winning and learn to use culturally appropriate means of conflict resolution. The final sections give very practical guidelines in the form of principles for managing conflict. Elmer offers ten general rules for dealing with conflict along with eight principles for dealing with cross-cultural resolution. These steps when used together allow for the effective building of relationships and allows for the possibility of the gospel message to bring healing in various cultures around the world.

This book is great for anyone working with persons of other cultural backgrounds, not only for those in Christian ministry. Many times conflict could be easily avoided if we were only aware of some crucial differences in the way other people think and interpret the world. There are several models presented for effective communication. Highly recommended.

I don't have the book with me as I write, but it is an excellent tool for anyone who works cross-culturally. I had glanced through a copy belonging to someone else before ordering the book. I served as a missionary for twenty years and learned the hard way! This would help someone to prepare!

Great condition!

Love this book.

My daughter really enjoyed it in her class.

I found this so helpful in understanding colleagues from a shame honour culture - sometimes excruciatingly so as I understood all the ways I have put my foot in it... whether it helps me to change/ communicate my own behaviour in a helpful way remains to be seen!