Cross-Cultural Conflict: Building Relationships for Effective Ministry, By Duane Elmer
Cross-Cultural Conflict
paperback
  • Length: 192 pages
  • Dimensions: 5.5 × 8.25 in
  • Published: December 21, 1993
  • Imprint: IVP Academic
  • Item Code: 1657
  • ISBN: 9780830816576

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Whether at home or abroad, communicating with people of other cultures is difficult. It requires new ways of thinking and interpreting the world. When conflict arises, as it often does, the issues become even more confusing. Without a good understanding of how different cultures handle conflict, our best intentions may only make matters worse.

With a particular focus on Asian and Hispanic cultures (at home and around the world) and on African culture, Duane Elmer walks readers through various types of conflict and shows how they can be handled effectively and appropriately. Elmer gives numerous stories and examples from his experience and from others' to show how handling conflict well builds solid relationships. With an eye out for biblical principles, he looks at a variety of sticky questions in Scripture. This is a book not just of theory but of practical models of conflict resolution.

Pastors, evangelists, business people, missionaries, students--anyone who wants to communicate more effectively with neighbors and colleagues--will find this book immensely helpful.

"From his wealth of experience at home and abroad, Duane Elmer has created a wondrous tribute to the human capability of learning to relate to people who are different."

Ted Ward, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School

"This book should be required reading for any person involved in or entering into cross-cultural ministry. It also has enormous value for anyone interested in building healthy relationships to serve God more effectively, wherever they may be."

Luis Bush, formerly international director, AD 2000 Beyond Movement

"Every cross-cultural worker and those who live in cross-cultural communities will find this book informative and helpful in adjusting to another culture."

Bong Rin Ro, Overseas Missionary Fellowship

"Elmer has addressed the basic problem behind 90% of all my frustrations as a mission executive. I highly recommend the book as required reading. . . . Thank you for this most important contribution to world mission."

James E. Plueddemann, SIM International
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CONTENTS

Part 1: Understanding Conflict and Culture
1. The Amazing Contours of Conflict
2. Cultural Diversity Was God's Idea (and So Was Unity)
3. Handling Conflict the American Way
4. Conflict and Cultural Values

Part 2: Cultural Diversity and Conflict Resolution
5. Mediation and Mediator
6. The One-Down Position and Vulnerability
7. Storytelling and Proverbs
8. Inaction, Misdirection, Silence and Indefinate Persons

Part 3: Implications for the Gospel Message
9. Communicating the Gospel Across Culture
10. Power and Winning: The Twin Diseases
11. Communication Principles for Conflict Resolution: A Case Study from Joshua
12. Principles for Managing Conflict

Notes

Bibliography

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Duane H. Elmer

Duane H. Elmer (PhD, Michigan State) has taught in over seventy-five countries and has provided cross-cultural training to Fortune 500 companies, relief and development agencies, mission organizations, churches, and educational institutions. He previously served as director of the PhD program in educational studies at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, Illinois. He has also conducted peace and reconciliation efforts in several countries. His books include Cross-Cultural Conflict, Cross-Cultural Connections, and Cross-Cultural Servanthood. The Elmers live in Winfield, Illinois.