Intercultural Leadership and Multicultural Ministry (DM8234P)

Postgraduate, 24.0 points

Content

This unit explores leadership in a multicultural church. It introduces the idea of cultural competency in both theory and practice. It first focuses on intercultural understanding and relationship. Then it explores the changing religious and cultural demographics shaping contemporary Australian society and Christianity. This helps us to develop and practice skills of intercultural engagement, and to understand the challenges for culturally and linguistically diverse communities and leaders.

Unit code: DM8234P

Unit status: Approved (New unit)

Points: 24.0

Unit level: Postgraduate Foundational

Unit discipline: Missiology

Proposing College: Pilgrim Theological College

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Learning outcomes

1.

Engage critically with an understanding of what “cultural competence” is and its (theological and social) importance within the community of faith
2.

Develop personal capabilities to better facilitate intercultural interactions within the church’s life, worship, and witness
3.

Reflect on and critique one’s own place as a leader or future leader within the changing cultural and religious demographics within Australia
4.

Explore strategies to promote cultural competence and intercultural leadership within the church
5.

Construct practices within a religious body which invite intercultural competency, and especially within corporate activities such as liturgy and worship

Pedagogy

Workshops, guest presentations, discussions, lectures, time to share experiences of research

Indicative Bibliography

  1. Deverell, Garry Worete. Gondwana Theology: A Trawloolway Man Reflects on Christian Faith. Reservoir: Morning Star, 2018.
  2. Havea, Jione, and YT Vinayaraj, eds.Transgressing Race: Readings, Theologies, Belongings. Pickwick, 2023.
  3. Havea, Jione, ed. Theological and Hermeneutical Explorations From Australia: Horizons of Contextuality. Lexington Books/Fortress Academic, 2020.
  4. Havea, Jione. Indigenous Australia and the Unfinished Business of Theology: Cross-Cultural Engagement. Palgrave Macmillan, 2014.
  5. Kim, Grace Ji-Sun, and Jann Aldredge-Clanton, eds. Intercultural Ministry: Hope for a Changing World. Judson Press, 2017.
  6. Marzouk, Safwat. Intercultural Church: A Biblical Vision for an Age of Migration. Fortress Press, 2019.
  7. Phan, Peter C., and Elaine Padilla, eds.Christianities in Migration: The Global Perspective. Palgrave Macmillan, 2015.
  8. Plueddemann, James E. Leading Across Cultures: Effective Ministry and Mission in the Global Church. InterVarsity Press, 2012.
  9. Ting-Toomey, Stella, and Leeva Chung. Understanding Intercultural Communication. Oxford University Press, 2022.
  10. Collinge, Ian. An Intercultural Worship Handbook: Routes, Tools and Guideposts for the Journey. Canterbury Press, 2025.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)
Short Answer Responses - Short answers

During class time, describe in short written sentences the key terminologies and categories informing the process of "cultural competency"

 500 10.0
Personal Reflection - Intercultural Development Plan

In response to the Intercultural Development Inventory, produce your Intercultural Development Plan

 1000 20.0
Case Study - Leadership in multicultural ministries

Analyse the challenges of leadership via a case study in multicultural ministry in Australia. Describe the pros and cons of possible strategies and/or resources to address the challenges, taking into account cultural competence, theologies of ministry, and your own place within the cultural landscape.

 2500 35.0
Skill Demonstration - Collaborative Leadership in Liturgy

Participate, contribute and actively collaborate with others to facilitate an intercultural liturgy. Reflect on the processes of collaboration and the content of the liturgy.

 2500 35.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by Prof Albert Haddad on 19 Aug, 2025

Unit record last updated: 2025-08-19 17:00:48 +1000