The application of Presbyterian polity and transfer of leadership in cross-cultural situations: A study in Presbyterian missiology.

摘要

This thesis proposes that ecclesiastical authority in Presbyterian churches can be transitioned incrementally across cultural barriers and find culturally appropriate implementations without negating the root principles of Presbyterian order in the process.;This study fills a lacuna in research on Presbyterian mission, relating the theology of Presbyterian polity to missiology, especially considering the transfer of leadership on the mission field. Points of reference are sought for Presbyterian mission work, so that Presbyterians in mission need not undermine their own basic principles.;A consistent basis is sought for Presbyterian mission, so that cross-cultural church planting is in conformity with missiological and Presbyterian principles, from start to finish. A theological and historical examination is made of Presbyterianism and its basic themes, including spirituality, authority, catholicity, as well as principles considered to be jus divinum. Important topics of missiology are considered in Presbyterian application, such as colonialism, cultural adaptation, paternalism, and devolution, as well as themes of management, Situational Leadership, delegation, and servant leadership.;The sources of confusion in Presbyterian missiology are examined in Chapter One. In Chapter Two, the nature and history of Presbyterian polity are considered as a background to the study, and a working definition is developed by which to consider Presbyterian missiological problems. Chapter Three presents an overview of Presbyterian missiology, especially as related to polity. Chapter Four considers the main topic: cross-cultural issues related to the transfer of leadership in Presbyterian mission. Case studies are presented in Chapter Five, showing what has worked and what has not in a broad range of representative Presbyterian mission efforts. The thesis is explored in the practical mission contexts of Brazil, China, India, Korea, Madeira, Malawi, Portugal, and Ukraine. In the final chapter, a synopsis is made of the work and general conclusions are drawn.