Preparing Korean missionaries for cultural adaptation : a pastoral-teological model

Abstract

The success of the transposition of the gospel into a foreign cultural context is indirectly related to the well-being of the missionary and his family in how they are emotionally affected. Korean missionaries have struggled with effectiveness in missions because of differences in cultural perspectives, a complexity of worldviews, and the need to reach cultural understanding and interpretation of the world around them. The difficulties experienced in dealing with cultural challenges and the prolonged cultural adjustment can be attributed to the many adaptation problems they face. The aim of this research study is to devise a model to prepare missionaries for cultural adaptation. The study found that inadequate training to effectively equip Korean missionaries for cultural adaptation can be attributed to the fact that there is no effective pastoral-theological model to prepare missionaries and their families to cope and work efficiently in their mission fields. This thesis aims to provide an effective pastoral-theological model for building cultural bridges. This should address needs related to the cultural adaptation of missionaries. The result should be that they will be able to get an understanding of cultural perspectives and worldviews in the countries where they are confronted with issues related to adaptation. The study is aimed at future missionaries as well as those already in the field and exposed to different cultural perspectives.