Tag: Cross-Cultural
Supporting Article
Starter Questions to Develop Cultural Understanding and Build Relationships
In "China -- Here We Are", Andrea Klopper writes that "a good way to start building relationships is through asking questions." Here is a list of questions for getting to know people and understand their culture in greater depth.
Things Every Expat in China Ministry Needs to Know . . .
For those who are beginning or have just begun a life of service in China, the list of skills to master and concepts to grasp can seem daunting. The summer 2013 edition of Chinasource Quarterly (due out this week) is designed to provide a roadmap for the process of entering into the Chinese ministry context.
Book Reviews
Preparing for Chinese Culture
A Book Review
This practical exposition includes discussions regarding ways of thinking about culture, first encounters between Americans and Chinese as well as verbal and non-verbal communication. Four stages of awareness as one progresses through understanding culture are explored along with an explanation of the importance of context.
Resource Corner
A Beginner’s Bibliography
A starting point for those anticipating service in China, this bibliography includes helpful works on China's history, parenting overseas, language learning, Christianity and works about contemporary China.
Supporting Article
China – Here We Are!
How can one prepare for service in China? The author provides practical insights with examples from her own experiences when she first lived in another culture. From exploring one's expectations to extending grace and embracing the challenge, Ms. Klopper offers valuable advice that can lessen the initial strain of cross-cultural living.
Editorials
Changing China, Continuing Challenges
Editor's Note: This editorial originally appeared in "What Every Expat in China Ministry Needs to Know" (CS Quarterly, 2013 Summer).
View From the Wall
Foreigners and Chinese Working Together
A Local Perspective
As a Chinese Christian, Jenny has worked alongside foreigners in Christian organizations for over a decade. She opens her heart and shares insights from a Chinese perspective to help new workers (and those already in China) avoid points of misunderstanding and friction as they serve with local brothers and sisters.
View From the Wall
Rebuilding the Walls
How does it feel to return to China after studying in the West and beginning a new job? As a Christian, how does one manage in a job where others have differing values? Where does one find answers and support?
Lead Article
A Big Piece of the Puzzle
Among all debates and controversies about the Back to Jerusalem (BTJ) phenomenon, the issue of training Chinese missionaries seems to have fallen on the sidelines. More attention has been given to issues such as the controversial number of 100,000 missionaries, abuse of the genuine grass-root missionary spirit, and who has the right to represent BTJ. Despite the legitimacy of all these concerns, traininga critical component that determines the outcome of missionshas not been given enough attention.
Supporting Article
Looking Backwards and Forwards
A ChinaSource interview conducted by Kay Danielson with a long-time expatriate Christian working in China.