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The Influence of Cultural and Generational Differences on the Ministry Experience of Chinese American Church Leaders

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Abstract

This qualitative study explored the influence of cultural and generational differences on the ministry experience of fourteen Chinese American male church leaders. Specifically, this study examined how differences in communication style, view of authority, level of acculturation, and expectations of the church could create conflict within the church setting. This study also provided insight into the types of problems these church leaders and church members faced as a result of cultural and generational conflict as well as solutions they found in response to that conflict. Taken together, these findings not only address the literature gap regarding this understudied group of individuals, but they also have implications for more effective ministry in a multicultural church setting.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, Stevenson University, 11200 Ted Herget Way, Owings Mills, MD, 21117, USA

    Sarah Goranson & Maria S. Wong

  2. Graduate School of Psychology, Fuller Theological Seminary, 135 N. Oakland Ave., Pasadena, CA, 91182, USA

    Joey Fung

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  1. Sarah Goranson
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  2. Maria S. Wong
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Correspondence to Maria S. Wong.

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Goranson, S., Wong, M.S. & Fung, J. The Influence of Cultural and Generational Differences on the Ministry Experience of Chinese American Church Leaders. Pastoral Psychol 69, 11–28 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11089-019-00890-5

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