Title: Cross-Cultural Connections: Stepping Out and Fitting in Around the World (Paperback)
by Duane Elmer
Paperback: 200 pages
Publisher: InterVarsity Press (October, 2002)
Language: English
ISBN: 0830823093
Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.5 x 0.6 inches
Book Description
It's a small world after all. With the new realities of global interconnectedness comes a greater awareness of cultural diversity from place to place. Besides differences in food and fashion, we face significant contrasts of cultural orientation and patterns of thinking. As we travel across cultures, what should we expect? How do we deal with culture shock? And can we truly connect with those we meet?
Experienced cross-cultural specialist Duane Elmer provides a compass for navigating through different cultures. He shows us how to avoid pitfalls and cultural faux pas, as well as how to make the most of opportunities to build cross-cultural relationships. Filled with real-life illustrations and practical exercises, this guide offers the tools needed to reduce apprehension, communicate effectively, and establish genuine trust and acceptance.
Above all, Elmer demonstrates how we can avoid being cultural imperialists and instead become authentic ambassadors for Christ. Whether you are embarking on a short-term mission trip or traveling for business or pleasure, this book is both an ideal preparation and a handy companion for your journey.
"Effective crosscultural ministries begin with interpersonal relationships that bridge the cultural gulfs that separate people. Duane H. Elmer helps us understand the depth of these gulfs and shows us concrete ways to build relationships of understanding and trust that are essential for crosscultural ministries." Paul G. Hiebert, professor of mission and anthropology, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
"Duane Elmer has given us a tremendous resource for the twenty-first century. A must-read for Christians or non-Christians, local churches, Christian colleges and universities, mission organizations, and those connected to the marketplace." Alvin C. Bibbs, Sr., director of Extension Ministries, Willow Creek Community Church
"This book will help us love our neighbors in ways that make sense to them." Miriam Adeney, associate professor of global and urban ministries, Seattle Pacific University, and teaching fellow, Regent College
"Duane Elmer has successfully placed before us a 'working book' that, while wonderfully written and easily read, also begs you to underline scores of 'make-sense' insights and then tab the page so you can find them again." M. L. Hillard, former vice president of people development, ServiceMaster
About the Author
Duane Elmer is the G. W. Aldeen Professor of International Studies at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, Illinois. In addition to traveling and teaching in over seventy-five countries, he has provided cross-cultural training to people from Fortune 500 companies, relief and development agencies, mission organizations, churches and educational institutions. He has also conducted peace and reconciliation efforts in several countries. He is the author of Cross-Cultural Conflict: Building Relationships for Effective Ministry (IVP).
Amazon Reviews:
Brian Fulthorp
The purpose of Duane Elmer's book Cross-Cultural Connections is to help the reader become aware of the different aspects of transitioning into other cultural settings. Understanding the issues of cross-cultural transition will enable the potential missionary or tentmaker to have an increased awareness of the issues he or she will face in the new setting. This awareness will allow for realistic expectations and reduce the effects of any difficulties one will encounter in the transition. In turn one will then be able to manage the transition effectively and be able to build new relationships.
In helping the reader better understand new cultural settings, Elmer suggests cultural differences aren't "right or wrong, they're just different" (pg. 24). He sets limits on this assertion by saying there are absolutes. However, one must be careful not to judge too quickly before deciding some part of the culture is right or wrong. Some suggestions he gives for working through cultural differences are to stop and evaluate personal feelings and the feelings of others, to suspend judgment, and to ask "why" questions. Following these suggestions will allow one to have a more positive experience with cultural transitions.
The most useful portion of this book provided the reader specific guidance on how to develop the right attitudes and skills for cross-cultural adjustment. Three primary areas were addressed: openness, acceptance and trust.
For Elmer, "openness is the ability to welcome people into your presence and help them feel safe" (pg. 87). If a missionary does not maintain an attitude of openness and approachability, he or she will directly undermine receptivity of the gospel message. Acceptance then, "is the ability to communicate value, regard, worth, and respect to others" (pg. 94). People in every culture need to feel accepted in order to be open to the gospel. Trust is the outworking of openness and acceptance. In many ways, trust makes all the difference in the effectiveness of relationships and ultimately if one will have permission to share Christ or not. When people sense openness and acceptance from missionaries, they will begin to trust them and in time become open to the gospel message.
