Pastoral counseling Taiwanese immigrants in the church setting: A cross-cultural perspective

This project explores the central question of how a culturally skilled pastoral counselor can effectively work with Taiwanese immigrants within a church setting.; This project proposes theologically sound, culturally effective pastoral counseling strategies relevant to the needs of Taiwanese immigrants who seek the help of a pastoral counselor. The strategies of the project include (1) examining sufferings and hope in Taiwan history which continue to shape the Taiwanese characteristic, (2) understanding the current social-cultural problems and adjustments of Taiwanese immigrants in the U.S. and (3) identifying cultural barriers to effective pastoral counseling which were created by Taiwanese world views and folk religious concepts.; Chapter 2 reviews the sufferings and hopes of Taiwanese in history. Chapter 3 presents the Taiwanese folk religious beliefs that have shaped the world view of the Taiwanese. Chapter 4 analyzes the results of the author's survey, "Immigrants from Taiwan: Social-Cultural Problems and Adjustments." Chapter 5 discusses the correlation of theology and pastoral counseling in the church settings. Chapter 6 explores how pastors can become culturally skilled counselors so that they work effectively in their counseling the culturally different. Chapter 7 presents the case of Mrs. Lin which is a cross-cultural counseling I have experienced in my church for reflection. The reflections include the assumptions, beliefs, and approaches of the persons who were involved in this counseling situation.