Beyond Culture: Kingdom Values in a Multicultural World (McMaster Ministry Studies Series)

As Canada continues to navigate what it means to be an increasingly diverse country, the church needs to intentionally work at embracing the nuances of the diversity of cultures in our midst. The racial and cultural conflicts surfacing in our country highlight the fact that our traditional approaches of hospitality and multiculturalism are not enough. Christians are called to live counterculturally and reflect God’s love to the world around us. Beyond Culture examines how the church can embrace kingdom values to move beyond our distinct cultures towards becoming a family in Christ. Written by a diverse group of Canadian scholars and practitioners, each chapter reflects on the personal and communal aspects of kingdom living which are shaped and transformed by the radical love and hospitality modeled by Christ Jesus. These reflections aim to further develop the discussion around how intentionally intercultural congregations can be united through their shared kingdom values and become inclusive communities of faith who reflect the hybridized and globalized Canadian culture.

Charles A. Cook is the executive director of the Jaffray Centre for Global Initiatives and professor of global studies and mission at Ambrose University, where he has served since 1989. Born to Canadian international workers, he was raised in Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. He is involved in global Jaffray-related initiatives. Lorajoy Tira-Dimangondayao is interested in religion vis-a-vis migration in the Canadian context and is passionate about faith formation in diaspora youth communities. Born in Manila and raised in the Canadian prairies, she is a "1.75 Generation" Filipino Canadian and is fluent in Franglaistaglishspagalog. Lauren Umbach is the senior research and program coordinator for the Jaffray Centre for Global Initiatives at Ambrose University. Prior to this, she worked in Asia for four years. Born in Edmonton and now living and working in Calgary, she is third-generation German Canadian.