Contextual Leadership Within Chin Immigrant Churches in the United States

Description

This thesis examines the leadership practices within Chin immigrant congregations in the United States, with a focus on developing more effective leadership approaches to address the unique challenges faced in their new cultural context. The research centers around the question: What leadership practices will help Chin immigrant leaders apply adaptive leadership theory and contextual-oriented leadership in their church settings?

Using a qualitative case study methodology, the research reveals that the leadership practices traditionally used in Myanmar are inadequate when applied to immigrant church settings in the U.S. The study suggests that Western leadership theories and methods may not fully apply to immigrant communities with different cultural backgrounds. Therefore, Chin immigrant church leaders must reassess their leadership practices to better serve their congregations in the U.S.

Additionally, the study highlights the importance of reevaluating the role of women in church leadership and promoting the involvement of young people who have a deeper understanding of the immigrant experience in the U.S. These changes, according to the research, are necessary for the church to effectively minister to the immigrant population and navigate the cultural and social challenges of their new context.