Practical Theology for Church Diversity: A Guide for Clergy and Congregations

Cross-racial pastoral ministry and multicultural ministry are wonderfully complex endeavors. Practical Theology for Church Diversity suggests that they include a substantial amount of conversation preparation and prayer if they are to be done faithfully. Sacred spaces within Christian churches can have a meaningful witness through diversity in their particular locations. This book skillfully informs gently challenges and respectfully questions some widespread components of church life along demographic lines. Most importantly it focuses on pragmatic approaches to cross-cultural pastoral ministry and multicultural ministry for readers to utilize. All persons of faith religious institutions professors seminarians and others interested in church diversity on any level will find this book a valuable resource. Professor Walden is a gifted theoretician-practitioner. His theological analysis illuminates essential principles for effective engagement in cross-racial and multicultural ministry. His guidebook explores a spectrum ranging from prerequisite skills to advanced knowledge for teaching the beginning seminarian as well as resourcing experienced pastors who have limited exposure to multicultural ministry. Walden forges a creative paradigm for ministry readiness in the twenty-first century. --Vergel L. Lattimore President Hood Theological Seminary Salisbury NC Practical Theology for Church Diversity delivers a serious charge to the twenty-first-century church--pastoral ministry should reflect the diverse and multicultural composition of American society and a broader world. Ken J. Waldens text makes realizing the global village in local congregations worthy and attainable. From case studies and step-by-step recommendations to scholarly resources for church leaders and congregations Walden demonstrates that a practical theology for church diversity brims with possibilities for supra-church collaborations more inclusive congregations and racial reconciliation with the understanding this courageous task is not without inherent challenges. --Nichole Renee Phillips Assistant Professor of Religion and Human Difference Candler School of Theology Emory University Atlanta GA Ken J. Walden earned his PhD in practical theology from Claremont School of Theology. He has extensive experience in cross-racial pastoral ministry and multicultural ministry gained in appointments in North Carolina Michigan and California. His ministry also includes being a university chaplain a university professor a military chaplain and a senior pastor. He is the author of Challenges Faced by Iraq War Reservists and Their Families (2012).