Theology at the Crossroads: Exploring Church, Culture, & Christian Thought
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Why does my church feel stuck between two worlds?
Why do cultural tensions keep slowing our momentum?
Why can’t we find clear language for the challenges we face?
Why do our efforts to engage neighbors with the gospel fall flat?
If you’ve ever asked any of these questions, you’re not alone. Across America, ethnic diaspora churches are standing at a defining crossroads. Many are striving to preserve the beauty of their heritage while also reaching the communities around them. Yet the result is often the deepening of generational divides. Ministries lose steam. Leaders wrestle with how to move ahead without losing what makes their church family unique.
Cultural Crossroads is for every ethnic church leader, member, or ministry team feeling caught between worlds and longing to see their church flourish. It offers renewed hope: your congregation can thrive – not by letting go of its heritage, but by stewarding it for the sake of the gospel and boldly engaging the community God has placed around you.
Cultural Crossroads helps diaspora churches turn their heritage into a gospel-strength, not a barrier.
RELEASING IN MARCH 2026
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Advance Praise for Cultural Crossroads
“Congratulations to Yevgeniy Kovalenko for a terrific job of research on one of the most strategic issues facing churches today. His insider status in a significant immigrant community gives him real credibility to guide new ethnic churches through the crossroads and into a more missional and successful future.”
"Immigrant and diasporic voices in the U.S. are not only important, but can carry a prophetic edge that is badly needed in the American church. Yevgeniy Kovalenko speaks into this vital conversation from the very heart of it, amplifying those voices, and rooting them in rich biblical truth. His Gospel vision is hopeful, beautiful, and deeply encouraging in this fraught cultural moment."
Sarah Finn
M.A., Dean of Students, Eternity Bible College
“A comprehensive and practical guide for pastors and leaders serving ethnic diaspora churches in a Western context. As an immigrant pastor himself, Yevgeniy knows the unique challenges and barriers of pastoring such a church; where preserving cultural identity and familiarity can come at a cost of gospel outreach and discipleship of the next generation. Using real life case studies and practical suggestions, this book offers a way forward where culture is still valued, diversity is pursued within a biblical framework, and the call for local church evangelism is still upheld.”
"Through the seamless integration of biblical truth and contemporary narrative, Yevgeniy Kovalenko’s Cultural Crossroads demonstrates that cultural awareness, grounded in gospel faithfulness, offers hope not only to the immigrant church, but to the American church at large. With wisdom born of lived experience and deep theological conviction, Kovalenko invites readers to see the church's cultural identity not as a challenge to overcome, but as a gift to steward. I wholeheartedly commend this book to pastors, leaders, and congregations seeking to follow Christ faithfully in an increasingly diverse world."
Jordan Ringhofer
District Minister, Pacific District Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches
"As someone who pastors an immigrant church, I finally read a book that puts into words everything that the church and its leadership go through when they are at the crossroads of culture and gospel. This book is not a theory, it is a life story, and that is what makes it so special. Whether you are a church leader or part of a church you will benefit from reading this book. It will challenge you to revisit your own crossroads between culture and the gospel and will offer you a path forward."
“The Bible speaks of universal principles that apply to every local church, and yet there are distinct challenges and opportunities facing the immigrant churches of the United States. Yevgeniy Kovalenko’s contribution as a pastor and an author is clarifying, well-researched, and thought-provoking. I recommend his book to any who would like to understand and strengthen the state of our immigrant churches. May the Lord use this book to spur them toward biblical clarity, diligent faithfulness, and loving unity.”
“Amazing! Pastor Yevgeniy Kovalenko could have taken the easy road in ministry by serving in a monolingual/monocultural suburban church, but his commitment and background prompted him and his wife Lily to serve in their home church. He has done extensive research and substantial interviews with deep analyses to provide a worthwhile book for those who are ministering in transitional areas. As one who has served 60 years in Anglo, Slavic and Hispanic Churches, 30 of these were in my denomination, I can comfortably urge pastors and church leaders to review and glean proven ideas from this well of sweet water.”
Dr. Anthony Ahaev
D.Min., Pastor
“Through Cultural Crossroads, Yevgeniy Kovalenko offers a hopeful vision for the future of ethnic diaspora churches. Rather than prescribing a single model or strategy, Kovalenko surveys a range of healthy ethnic heritage churches and distills key principles through thoughtful case studies. Together, these examples reveal the diverse ways Christ is leading local congregations to both retain and reach the next generation. I highly recommend Cultural Crossroads for any leader serving in an ethnic heritage church context.”
Hanley Liu
Pastor, First Chinese Baptist Church, Walnut, CA.