Intercultural Competence: Cultural Intelligence, Pastoral Leadership and the Chinese Church (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9780994572646)

Intergenerational cultural differences present serious challenges for effective teamwork, sustainable leadership, congregational unity and membership retention. Using historical and empirical research, Dr Michael Chu reveals the relatively low levels of cross-cultural competence among the pastors of Chinese churches in Sydney, and identifying the key factors that hinder cultural competency and conflict resolution: non-communication, language deficiency and low self-reflection. Using Cultural Intelligence as a theoretical framework for analysing and understanding the cultural factors beneath intergenerational leadership conflict, the book makes practical recommendations for pastoral leaders, theological educators and mission agencies for improving intercultural competence within Chinese Christian communities.