Includes bibliographical references and indexes.

Pt. I. Theology and context. Practical theology and multicultural initiatives ; Missional ecclesiology and church context ; Sociocultural structures, ethnicity and churches -- Pt. II. Sociocultural perspectives. Worldviews, reality and assumptions ; Language, gestures and power ; Defining social relations ; Self-perception and individuality ; Perception and thinking -- Pt. III. Leadership, communication and change. Intercultural communication ; Leading change ; Practices for the calling.

Theology and context. Practical theology and multicultural initiatives -- Missional ecclesiology and church context -- Sociocultural structures, ethnicity and churches -- Sociocultural perspectives. Worldviews, reality and assumptions -- Language, gestures and power -- Defining social relations -- Self-perception and individuality -- Perception and thinking -- Leadership, communication and change. Intercultural communication -- Leading change -- Practices for calling.

As the church continues to hear and heed Christ's call to reflect the multi-ethnic character of his people, pastors and leaders need to gain skills and competencies to serve in those contexts. Juan Martinez and Mark Branson have written this book to equip such leaders to create environments that make God's reconciling initiatives apparent in church life and in our mission engagement with neighborhoods and cities.

As the church continues to hear and heed Christ's call to reflect the multiethnic character of his people, pastors and lay leaders need to gain skills and competencies to serve in those contexts. Juan Martinez and Mark Branson have written this book to equip such leaders to create environments that make God's reconciling initiatives apparent in church life and in our missional engagement with neighborhoods and cities. --from publisher description