Localize, globalize, ethnicize : exploring the cultural organization of the ethnic-migrant church in Singapore

• Main Authors: Chua, Yuhan, Lew, Sherwin
• Other Authors: Tan Joo Ean
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2018
• Subjects: DRNTU::Social sciences::Sociology::Culture; DRNTU::Humanities::Religions::Christianity
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/73659
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

The purpose of this study is to examine how an ethnic migrant church’s organization and culture fits itself into the particular culture of Singapore. While initially focusing on the cultural organization of religious spaces formed by migrant communities, other aspects related to popular culture and the church, have also been explored. A case study research method was used, with 15 semi-structured interviews being carried out, along with participant observation in an ethnic migrant church in Singapore. The study highlighted that the organizational structure of this particular church was similar to that of a corporate entity, but differed in organizational culture, notably in terms of its hierarchical characteristics. The study also demonstrated that localizing strategies for growth may not necessarily be effective in the case of migrant churches, as opposed to research findings from previous literature. Finally, the study also explored the gap concerning the negotiation of secular music styles in Christian Contemporary Music (CCM) in another Christian denomination, recognizing how it is a tool to remain culturally relevant for its congregation, as well as its evangelical outreach.