The concepts of Sherwood G. Lingenfelter about non-Western and Western leaders in cross-cultural situations apply to ministry contexts in sharing the gospel. 1 According to David Livermore, cultural intelligence (CQ) strategy is crucial in applying such concepts. CQ strategy is significant for several reasons. 2 First, the proper planning of an approach for a contrasting context calls upon innovation and creativity instead of merely depending on the same outdated habits that operate in one's everyday context. Second, the attempt to acquire knowledge encourages active reasoning concerning whether one’s plan is appropriate for a particular situation. Besides, checking is crucial in ensuring a continual revision and innovation as one monitors the capability of what they are doing. Livermore also suggests that even though it is not possible to learn everyone’s preferences at work, one can determine the cultural norms of people from different groups is essential in promoting respectful and productive behaviors. 3
The CQ strategy is essential in applying the concepts from the Lingenfelter’s chapters to ministry contexts in sharing the gospel in numerous ways. The first concept is about power giving leadership, which suggests that the relational leader should influence followers and build trust by honoring the character and extent of the relationship. 4 In col. 4:7 (NIV), Paul says that Philemon “refreshed God's people's hearts." 5 This should apply in the current ministry context of sharing the gospel. 6 According to Livermore, awareness, which is a component of CQ strategy, is what differentiates between a leader who leads with CQ and one who does not. Leaders with cultural intelligence practice power giving leadership during their cross-cultural interaction. 7
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The second concept of Lingenfelter’s entails mentoring and empowering; this involves the mentor being able to trust that God can accomplish a purpose and therefore take the risk of releasing control. Many mission agencies and missionaries find it challenging to let go of control. 8 Jesus also this process when he sends out twelve disciples, “he gave them authority and power to drive out all demons and to cure diseases” (Luke 9:1 [NIV]). 9 This risk is significant because it is an act of trust and faith. They should be able to release control since if many people are empowered, they will reach out to more people. 10 Leaders should employ checking, which is a CQ strategy skill to disconfirm or confirm if the leader they are choosing is good enough. 11
Responsibility to leadership is another concept of Lingenfelter, which is significant in sharing the gospel. This concept demonstrates that the leading role of a Christian is to encourage others and not to dominate. 12 It helps establish a connection that ends up in influence, trust, and encouragement for the purpose and work of God in sharing the gospel to people of different cultures. 13 This concept is demonstrated when apostle Paul tells Philippian believers that, “when I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, striving together” (Phil. 1:27 [NIV]). 14 Self-awareness is a CQ strategy skill that ensures that one can understand themselves fully and hence realize the importance of being responsible to leadership.
Sharing the gospel also requires leaders to apply the concept of exercising power and asking for a correction. Leaders should use power in a way that motivates the members to exceptional levels of success. 15 For instance, Jesus exercises power when he orders his disciples to go on a mission with very few resources. “no staff, no bread, no extra shirt, no bag” (Luke 9:3 [NIV]). 16 The most common weakness of many leaders is that they fail to seek correction, and when they get a correction, some find it challenging to receive, accept, and learn from it. In the mission of sharing the gospel, leaders must learn to exercise power and ask for correction so that they can learn about an unfamiliar culture. 17 The leader should use the CQ strategy in planning for cross-cultural interaction and be ready to learn and be corrected where necessary. 18
CQ strategy can be used to apply Lingenfelter's concepts in educating young girls from different cultures on how to become responsible leaders in the future. 19 One can use planning, awareness, and checking in empowering and mentoring young girls to become better leaders tomorrow. 20 The skills are also applicable in teaching them the significance of asking for a correction and exercising power for excellent leadership. 21
Bibliography
Lee, Joohee. Toward effective cross-cultural leadership practices for Korean missionaries in international missions . Fuller Theological Seminary, School of Intercultural Studies, 2017.
Lingenfelter, Sherwood G. 2008. Leading Cross-Culturally. Baker Academic.
Livermore, David. 2015. Leading with Cultural Intelligence: The Real Secret to Success. 2. AMACOM.
Mears, Henrietta. What the Bible Is All about NIV: Bible Handbook . Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., 2016.
