Ted Ward

Cross-Cultural Conflict

Evangelism & Missions

“From his wealth of experience at home and abroad, Duane Elmer has created a wondrous tribute to the human capability of learning to relate to people who are different.”

Cross-Cultural Servanthood

Evangelism & Missions

“Duane Elmer has created a gem! This latest of his creations reminds us that Duane writes stories rather than documents. The reader will discover in Cross-Cultural Servanthood a delightful encounter with people, places and situations. The examples and reflections that come through these pages shine with the warmth and reality of letters from a close friend. But this is no ordinary friend--Dr. Elmer sheds light on cultural mysteries. His experiences as a missionary, teacher,consultant, school administrator and quite surely a researcher who 'gets to the bottom' of the curious events that pepper these stories reveal a depth of understanding that makes this book shine. The choice of servanthood revealsthe fundamental difference in Dr. Elmer's understanding of the cross-cultural situation. Others have written of the information-flow task from one culture toward another, the management dimensions of intercultural affairs and the quest for excellencein intercultural experiences. Note that each of these assumes that the intercultural encounter calls for a series of top-down skills moving from foreignness toward control. Not Duane Elmer. Choosing Christian styles and biblical sources, he developsapplications of principles that ring true, reflecting the warmth and wholeness of sound interpersonal affiliation. This is the strong stuff that overcomes the differences, tensions and conflicts that otherwise will plague the intercultural environment. The key is adopting the posture, manner and style of a loyal servant.”

God Our Teacher

Discipleship & Christian Education

“Here is a book that can be read for many purposes: as a substantial review of the calling of education in the mission of the church, as a challenging text on the theological foundations of Christian education, and as a stretching exercise for those who are serious about the educational and missional aspects of ministry.”

Nurture That Is Christian

Church Leadership & Ministry

Foreword

(wrote the foreword)