Apostle Paul Model

Thesis
This paper will explore the thesis that “The apostle Paul is the most appropriate biblical character to use as a model for how one might lead in a multicultural environment.”
Rationale
Due to the fact that the mission statement given by Christ to the church is to go into all the world and make disciples (Matthew 28:19-20), one who is involved with ministry must understand how to effectively interact with and lead people from a variety of cultural, ethnic, and socio-political backgrounds. This is true even if one is not involved in foreign mission’s work. The reason for this is that the world is – as a whole – becoming more and more multicultural all the time and one can see and experience this first hand, especially in metropolitan areas

Many can be found in corporations, political parties, and the like, but the Scriptures also provide one of the most influential examples of a multicultural leader ever, who not only led in a powerful way, but was also foundational in bringing the Gospel to many far-reaching cities in the Roman Empire. The apostle Paul is the most appropriate biblical character that one can use as a model for how to lead in a multicultural environment.
Format
In this paper the following questions and subjects will be explored which are relevant to the topic of leading in a multicultural environment. 1. Why is Paul a good model for how one might lead in a multicultural environment? 2. What are some of the specific examples of Paul’s multicultural leadership style? 3. What might it look like and how might one implement those characteristics and behaviors exemplified by the Apostle Paul that relate to multicultural leadership today?
Potential Outline
1.

Paul visited places such as Jerusalem and Judea, Macedonia, Arabia, and Asia Minor and ultimately making his way to Rome in Italy (Acts 9:1-29; Galatians 1:17; Acts 13:1-14:28; 27:1-28:16).
c. Paul planted churches in diverse regions of the Roman Empire.
i. He planted churches in Ephesus, located in Asia Minor, Thessalonica located in Macedonia, and Corinth, located in Achaia, to name just a few.
3. What are some of the specific examples of Paul’s multicultural leadership style?
a. Paul is flexible when it comes to certain cultural issues, being sensitive to interact with individuals in a way in which they will be more likely to respond to the Gospel and not be unduly offended (1 Corinthians 8:1–13; 9:19–23).
b. Paul was uncompromising over issues that were central to the Gospel and shows his inflexibility to issues that transcend culture (Galatians 1:6–10; Colossians 2:16–23).
c. Paul mentored and groomed young leaders to continue the work he began (1 Timothy 1:3–7, 18; Titus 1:5).
d. Paul was aware of his influence and instructed people to model his behavior and way of life (1 Corinthians 11:1; Philippians 3:17).
4. What might it look like and how might one implement those characteristics and behaviors exemplified by the Apostle Paul that relate to multicultural leadership