Cross-racial and cross-cultural leadership experiences of Korean-American United Methodist clergywomen
Abstract
This qualitative study investigated the lived experiences of first generation immigrant Korean American clergywomen of the United Methodist Church as they serve in cross-racial and cross-cultural appointments with language and cultural differences. This study sought to determine the leadership qualities exhibited by Korean American clergywomen and their perception of acceptance in cross-racial and cross-cultural ministry settings. This study also examined the relationship between their leadership qualities and their Korean cultural experiences. The study participants were all studied in in-person interviews, from which overarching themes arose. The Korean American clergywomen in this study were bold and courageous missionaries, visionaries, and spiritual leaders. They were shaped by their experiences in Korean culture to become resilient leaders that pursued excellence in their ministry. The study participants established their pastoral leadership by exhibiting the qualities of servant leadership. They all showed a deep sense of gratitude for the opportunity given to them to serve as pastoral leaders, and it was the support from core leaders of the congregation that encouraged them to continue the process of establishing their pastoral leadership.
Subject Area
Clerical studies|Asian American Studies|Womens studies
Recommended Citation
Kang, Hyekyung Pauline, "Cross-racial and cross-cultural leadership experiences of Korean-American United Methodist clergywomen" (2017). ETD Collection for Fordham University. AAI10254529.
https://research.library.fordham.edu/dissertations/AAI10254529
