Intercultural ministry training of a Pentecostal theological institution in the United States of America

Abstract

This study examines the training of Pentecostal theological graduates for intercultural ministry in the United States, with a focus on integrating intercultural education within theological programmes. It emphasises the value of cultural diversity and encourages educators and students to develop intercultural competencies for harmonious interaction in a multicultural world (Bennett, 2009). Day’s (2021) proposition for theological education on a hybrid of cognition and praxis was engaged. The concept envisions the preparation of students for effective ministry in a pluralist society. It is the framework of intercultural education conceived for ministry which is intentional, and faith based. The research positions intercultural education as vital for equipping theological graduates to serve in pluralistic societies. The study is critical because ministry engagement in intercultural contexts demands a new learning set to prepare students adequately for pluralist societies. Utilising qualitative methodology, data were collected through semi-structured interviews and then analysed with a thematic approach and Atlas-ti qualitative software to identify the main themes to be addressed. The case study focuses on a Pentecostal theological training institution that prepares graduates for ministry across the Americas, involving interviews with 28 participants, 14 faculty members and 14 students. The findings highlighted the central role of curriculum design in fostering intercultural education, the significance of educators’ competence and capacity building, and the need for cultural understanding to adapt ministry practices to diverse contexts. Cultural adaptation requires understanding of the diverse backgrounds of students and the contents in which they will serve. The research concludes that church ministry is dynamic, necessitating evolving theological training to prepare leaders for diverse societies. The thesis contributes to practical theology through the understanding that integrates contextual theology, transformative learning, and intercultural communication to enhance intercultural competencies in Pentecostal theological education and understanding the other as we live in a democracy. This framework aligns with Pentecostalism's mission to engage diverse cultures, advocating for a holistic curriculum that equips graduates to navigate the complexities of intercultural ministry in an evolving global landscape.