Learning Objectives

God calls to himself people of every tribe, tongue, and nation. It is our hope that, as a movement, we become more and more effective in serving students and faculty of every ethnicity and culture.

  • Learn what culture is and how cultural differences may arise in ministry

  • See Jesus’ approach to ministering across cultures

  • Find out how to use the Approaching Differences Diagram, a tool for navigating cultural differences

Play Your Way

Engage with the material in your context!

  • ~45 minutes (self-paced)

    All your progress will be saved so you can resume where you left off

  • Course Quicksheet (pdf)

    This is a quick summary of the material that you can use as a preview of the course or as a refresher once you've taken it.

  • Resource Toolbox

    See a list of the resources referenced in this course, all collected in one spot for your convenience.

Course Curriculum

  • 1

    Chapter 1: Ministering Across Cultures on Campus

    • A Vision for Ministering Across Cultures

    • Introduction

    • Before we begin . . .
  • 2

    Chapter 2: Culture Matters!

    • Lesson 1: Crossing Cultures for the Sake of the Gospel

    • Lesson 2: What is Culture?

    • Lesson 3: What Does Scripture Say About Crossing Cultures?
  • 3

    Chapter 3: Crossing Cultures Well

    • Lesson 1: The Approaching Differences Diagram

    • Lesson 2: The Red Line or Green Line?

    • Check for Understanding (Quiz)
  • 4

    Chapter 4: Identifying & Responding to Cultural Differences

    • Lesson 1: Assessing Your Entry Attitude

    • Lesson 2: Assessing Your Responses to Dissonance

    • Lesson 3: Which Line Will You Choose?
  • 5

    Conclusion

    • Closing Remarks

    • Before you go . . .

Resource Toolbox

All resources referenced from this course will be linked below for your convenience to view and download. Please use adapt these resources to what works for you in your ministry context.


Worksheets

Ministering Across Cultures Quicksheet

(3-page pdf) 

Summary of the course in a quick, 3-page format, perfect for a quick review on the go!

Download

Ministering Across Cultures Quicksheet
Entry Attitude Self Diagnosis Worksheet

(2-page fillable pdf) 

One way to cultivate an attitude of openness is to engage in intentional reflection and prayer.

Download


 Entry Posture Self Diagnosis Worksheet
Response Self Diagnosis Worksheet

(3-page fillable pdf) 

Reflect on some of the aspects of critical and curious responses to cultural dissonance.

Download


 Response Self Diagnosis Worksheet


More

Approaching Differences Overview

(Ministry Library page) 

In this collection you will find: a video that explains the Approaching Differences Diagram and a downloadable graphic for use in a presentation or handout
Approaching Differences Diagram Video

(Vimeo Video)


 This animation introduces the diagram and how to use it to help us have positive cross-cultural interactions.
Approaching Differences Diagram

(png image) 


 The Approaching Differences Diagram is a vital tool for loving and working well across cultures, both domestically and internationally.