The purpose of this dissertation was to answer the question: "How can an emerging ministry leader be trained in conflict/difference management techniques to effectively support multicultural ministry in the context of Bethel Temple Church in Hampton, Virginia?" Bethel Temple Church was a traditional White Pentecostal church with a vision to transition to a multicultural congregation that espoused the values of diversity. The author's service at the executive level in this organization (one of the first minorities to do so) helped to motivate this inquiry. Because race-based challenges have historically hampered cross-cultural relations in American society, the need to train staff members in cross-cultural ministry seemed a practical necessity.

In this ministry project, the author sought to determine whether there was a need for purposely developing ministry staff with the appropriate values to effectively facilitate multicultural ministry. Very few traditional academic institutions address this vital need directly. As such, this ministry project considered the development of a resident school for equipping church staffs with the necessary skills for effective multicultural ministry. In support of this proposal, the literature review attests to emerging demographic projections that confirm such a need. Further, the biblical, theological and historical foundations will validate the mandate for the church to meet this challenge.

The research survey used a field-based approach to determine the need for such a school in the Assemblies of God denomination. Evidence from the research will demonstrate and support the need for such a school. The author assessed core values before and after participation in the course of study to measure the effectiveness of this program.