English Ministry Crisis in Chinese Canadian Churches: Towards the Retention of English-Speaking Adults from Chinese Canadian Churches through Associated Parallel Independent English Congregational Models

Matthew Richard Sheldon Todd

Mar 2015 · Wipf and Stock Publishers

About this ebook

In this book, Dr. Matthew Todd looks into the anecdotal reporting of high numbers of Canadian-born Chinese leaving Western Canadian Chinese churches--what is termed the silent exodus. Some of the fastest-growing Canadian churches are Chinese, yet reportedly the highest dropout rates are among Chinese and Asian church adult ministries. This book recommends solutions towards the retention of Canadian-born Chinese adults in Chinese bicultural churches through empowerment. To address retention, the key factors that contribute to a silent exodus are established through qualitative research with participants of diverse church affiliations. Todd examines various models and proposed solutions the Chinese church has used to retain its English-speaking congregants, and gives attention to a theological basis for being inclusive in mission initiatives and for empowerment through passing the leadership baton. Todd makes some recommendations on the new wave of an emerging congregational model that requires negotiation with Chinese church leadership to give power away to English ministry leaders and congregations. He anticipates that this will permit transformational leadership practices that contribute to shalom, community transformation, and lasting congregations.

About the author

Dr. Matthew Todd (MTS, MA, DTL) served over thirteen years as an adjunct theology, philosophy, and ethics teacher with L.I.F.E. and P.L.B.C. Canada. As a practitioner, he has been involved in various leadership capacities with English ministries in bicultural contexts for over three decades. Todd has published numerous popular and academic articles on cross-cultural work and music. He is the author of The Interface of the Percussive Arts, Religious Experience, and Sacred Association (2008) and Historical Attitudes That Have Shaped the Church's Use of the Arts (2010).