Ministering Cross-Culturally: A Model for Effective Personal Relationships

by Sherwood G. Lingenfelter, Marvin K. Mayers

With more than 125,000 copies in print, this model for effective personal relationships in a multicultural and multiethnic world has proven successful for many. On the occasion of its thirtieth anniversary, this contemporary classic has been thoroughly updated to reflect Sherwood Lingenfelter's mature thinking on the topic and to communicate with modern readers, helping them minister more effectively to people of different cultural and social backgrounds. It is accessible, practical, and applicable to many ministry situations. An accompanying interactive questionnaire, designed to help students reflect on their own cultural values, is available online through Baker Academic's Textbook eSources.

Genres: Nonfiction, Christian, Cultural

146 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 15, 2016

Reviews

[Brenden Fjelsted · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ch 3-8 lay out the major tensions between cultures. Love the model in Ch2 and how in Ch9 they state that culture itself has sin in it, and being in culture sometimes blind us to sin; leaving our culture may even show us sin that our cultural prisons endorse. It is important to recognize the importance of culture in people, yet it can be hard to define and identify sin in other cultural contexts. This book helps with that. We must add to our cultural repertoire the author would say! We are on mission ‘with’ rather than on mission ‘to’ a people group.

[Brooks Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very insightful and challenging. I have a better idea of what culture is and how it effects the way that you orient your life. I have a new understanding of the challenges of cross cultural missions due to the competing value systems that we have. Doing ministry in the same way as you would in your own culture, is not only ineffective but it’s unloving and blind to the weaknesses in your culture. The book brought new meaning as to how we are to “become all things to all people in order that we might win some.” If we are to do cross cultural missions well, we need to add to our culture repertoire, treating people as more significant than ourselves.

[Tyler Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very helpful overview of the implications and important mindset-shifts and strategies one must-have for fruitful cross-cultural ministry. A great tool for anyone about to engage in or planning on engaging in short or long term cross-cultural ministry in the future.

I read it in preparation for a mission trip with Christ Community Church, and it is also recommended reading for the Intercultural Experience course I am now taking.

[Cal Fisher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ministering Cross-Culturally serves to help cross-cultural workers better become more like Christ as they take on a new cultural identity in addition to their own. Cultural expressions are necessary as they allow society to be able to function. This book explores how the main cultural expressions of time, judgment, crisis management, goals, self-worth, and vulnerability play out in different cultures. In each of these categories, real word examples are given and a variety of Bible stories are analyzed in light of these cultural expressions. By looking into these 6 areas, the cross-culturally worker can begin to break down his own cultural assumptions as he puts on new ones.
I thought this book was insightful and quite helpful in assisting me to better take on the cultural identities of others. One quote that struck me as especially needed for someone like me who is goal oriented working with cultures that often time are not goal oriented was, “It does not matter how many buildings we build or how many reports we submit. If we are not meeting people and loving them through interaction, we have lost sight of the Great Commission and our activities have lost significance.” The work that Jesus calls us to is inherently relational and I must not lose sight of that as I work to achieve particular goals.

[Joseph Mundo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ministering Cross-Culturally offers a thoughtful and relationally grounded approach to engaging people across cultural differences without compromising biblical convictions. I appreciated the authors’ emphasis on humility, listening, and personal relationships rather than relying on rigid frameworks or cultural accommodation. The book recognizes cultural differences while still affirming a shared human nature and the universal need for Christ, which keeps the focus on ministry rather than ideology. While some models require discernment in application, the overall approach remains practical, balanced, and biblically compatible. This book stands out as a helpful resource for cross-cultural ministry that values people without surrendering truth.

[Janae Zacharias · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book presents common cultural tensions in a way that is easy to understand and causes you to take a look at your own tendencies and what they mean for your ministry. I found myself on multiple occasions shaking my head because I felt like my way of handling things was better than the alternative. Then the book would explain what the reasoning was for the other side, and would effectively correct my presuppositions. I was particularly challenged by chapter 5 on tensions in handling crisis. I would recommend this book because of the opportunity for reflection regarding how our culture impacts how we think and make decisions, and what might motivate people in cultural conflict with us.

[Anthony Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

good first steps

This is a great book for those heading toward short term missions and perhaps a find introduction for career missionaries. I’ve got a host of theoretical and theological/exegetical quibbles with the content, but nothing substantive enough to dissuade me from recommending it for its practical value. The values-scoring method is useful as far as it goes and is shard by others as well. There is, of course, much more to know and which should be learned by anyone moving between the minority and majority world long-term. But this book can light the flame that gets the process of analysis and reflection going.

[Mathew Griggs · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is a lot of good information here, and it's good to remember that sometimes culture is just preference and sometimes it needs to be transformed; however, one of the arguments was that Jesus entered into a culture and participated within it. The author seems to have forgotten that the culture of the Jews was issued forth by The Word/Wisdom/The Angel of the Lord,m (a.k.a. The Eternal Son) and that Jesus followed that culture. He was the originator, so of course He followed what matched and rejected the elements of the Jewish practice that did not line up with the heart of His intended message.

[Mike Haynes · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book to be very helpful in bringing the issue of missions into an incarnational perspective. Very good in explaining the dichotomizing cultural tendencies of cultures as well as giving very helpful perspectives from his own personal experiences. I think the author accomplishes his goal for the book, (you’ll have to read and find out how) and is a great book for anyone who has a developing burden for cross-cultural service.

[Nicolas Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It's applicable regardless of whether you think you're ministering cross-culturally or not. I would recommend this as a life-awareness type of book. It can help your marriage, your workplace, and your paradigm of people-interaction. I will be referencing it often and probably reading it again in the future.

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic resource for anyone in Christian ministry working closely with individuals from other cultures. Easy to read and clearly written by a well-informed author, this book focuses on those values and orientations most likely to cause distress in a counseling relationship or mission setting. I highly recommend this!

[Glen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A practical exploration into the intersect of cultural anthropology and missionary service. Lingenfelter writes with a lucidity that is both accessible and intently woven around the sub-title — “A Model for Effective Personal Relationships”.

This is a good introductory resource for new practitioners or for those seeking to grow in their contextual awareness.

[Cory · Rating 4 out of 5]

A concise, useful tool for analyzing one's personal preferences and comparing them to the rudimentary values of another culture. And don't forget, every group of people—a company, a family, a church, a school—is another culture.

[Shelby · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a helpful book for any believer who is interacting cross-culturally. The author does a good job of exploring the different value orientations in cultures. He talks about different cultural values of things like time, organization, preparation, tasks, etc.

[Nina Friess · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really interesting read-- I think it'd be hugely beneficial for anyone going into missions, or who regularly has cross-cultural encounters. Or, really, anyone wanting to understand their own cultural viewpoint better. It's a helpful study of cultural differences paired with theological direction.

[C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy read with interesting case studies. I am planning to read through again after completing the self-diagnostic tool provided in the index.

[lissette viana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dynamic

Unique approaches to a over looked perspective
Easy to understand
Real life examples
Applicable
Great Resource
Useful in teaching others

[Levi Friesen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clear survey of the "model of basic values", and good reflection on the Christian obligation to engage well with cultures who fall in other places on the model.

[Lily Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a good book in terms of resources for cross-cultural work. Gives solid tips, relates all to scripture, & motivates for success. One of the best books on this topic I’ve read in a while!

[Michael Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everyone should read this, especially if you work in (or volunteer in) any ministry capacity.

[Josephine Wynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative

I like the fact that I was provoked to seek out areas in my life for improvement. Thank you Jesus.

[Kelsey Keating · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5. There were a few things that felt biased, but otherwise, a really good book that has already helped me even within my own culture.

[Ashley Baugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easily one of my favorite books. So informative. Full of the analysis of different cultures with the emphasis that different doesn’t mean righteous or unrighteous, but those things are defined by each individual’s heart and actions. So informative, challenging, and enlightening. Highly recommend.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick read, but a solid introduction to various value orientations.

[Tara Guiffredo · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is meant as a guide into who we are as people and how that can affect our ministry overseas. The book gives examples of certain principles, which we will fall on either side of, and is meant to show us the kind of attitudes and behaviors we have. It is a great read if anyone is going on any kind of mission trip for any amount of time. It gives insight to other cultures and the culture shock we may experience.

[Nancy DeValve · Rating 4 out of 5]

The authors describe how different cultures value different things: confronting people directly vs taking an indirect approach; status based on family background vs accomplishments; time focused or people focused; being vulnerable vs presenting yourself as not wrong or in need. He not only looks at culture but he also looks at what Jesus was like in each cultural value. He then gives an example where he struggled or did wrong in his cross cultural life. This is a great book for learning about different cultural views.

[crioni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Basic must read

[Nicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very insightful book if you intend to work / live cross-culturally!