LSPS GRADUATES' SEMINAR ON CROSS-CULTURAL MINISTRY: READINGS

The readings for each week of the course are listed on the Moodle site. In addition, here are a few books I have found helpful and which you may be able to purchase through an online book dealer such as Amazon or Barnes & Noble.

Barndt, Joseph. Understanding and Dismantling Racism: The Twenty-First Century Challenge to White America. Fortress Press, 2007.

This is an update of the 1991 classic treatment of white racism in its individual, institutional and cultural forms. Very thought-provoking.

Foster, Charles R. Embracing Diversity: Leadership in Multicultural Congregations. Alban Institute, 1997.

This is a very readable book that could be used in a congregational study group, since it has reflection questions and group projects. There is a helpful section on "facing resistance."

Foster, Charles R. Foster and Theodore Brelsford. We are the Church Together: Cultural Diversity in Congregational Life. Trinity Press International, 1996.

This book is out of print now, but if you can get a used copy, it's worth it. This is a study of three Atlanta-area congregations that transitioned from monocultural to bicultural or multicultural, and how they did it.

Law Eric H.F. Inclusion: making Room for Grace. Chalice Press, 2000.

At least some of you are familiar with Eric Law's books. This one is a biblically framed investigation of some critical issues in trying to create inclusive community within a congregation. There are many anecdotes and practical examples.

Neumark, Heidi B. Breathing Space: A Spiritual journey in the South Bronx. Beacon Press, 2003.

LSPS used this book at a Cultural Encuentro a couple of years ago. It is a fascinating account - a sort of spiritual journal - of a young pastor's ministry at an old Lutheran congregation in the middle of an inner-city neighborhood struggling with issues of poverty and diversity - and city politics.